Former Ombudsman Samuel Martires has denied allegations of making midnight appointments, insisting that the hiring and promotions made during the final months of his term were necessary to ensure the continuous operation of the Office of the Ombudsman.
According to Martires, the 204 personnel who were newly hired or promoted between May and July 2025 were all approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and duly published by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
He explained that the appointments covered various positions—from drivers to lawyers—and that the promotion of two Assistant Ombudsmen was based on merit as they were chosen to replace retiring officials.
“These were not midnight appointments but part of our office’s ongoing process to fill vacancies and maintain efficiency,” a source close to Martires shared.
Earlier, current Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla had stated that several of those hired, particularly the 99 personnel earning more than ₱160,000 per month, should submit their courtesy resignations amid the review of appointments made during the previous administration.
Martires, however, maintained that all the appointments were properly documented and within legal bounds, emphasizing that they were made “in good faith and with the approval of the proper authorities.”