Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that he has secured clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman, a requirement to be included in the shortlist of possible candidates to lead the anti-graft body.
In an interview, Remulla said the clearance has already been submitted to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), which will prepare the shortlist of applicants to be submitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for consideration.
“It’s with the JBC already,” Remulla stated.
It will be recalled that cases had been filed against Remulla before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest orders against former President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as personalities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including Shiela Guo—the sister of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo—and Cassandra Li Ong.
Asked if impediments against his application were already cleared, Remulla declined to give a categorical answer.
“Basta nasa JBC na, I will not conclude anything, it will be self-serving to conclude anything,” he said.
One of the political hurdles to his potential appointment as Ombudsman is Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Marcos Jr. and a known ally of the Duterte family.