Former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla formally took his oath as the new Ombudsman before Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Following his oath-taking, Remulla addressed circulating reports claiming that he would prioritize investigating the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a press conference held the same day, Remulla clarified that his office will not single out any individual and will review all relevant SALNs as part of a broader initiative.
“Ang gagawin natin d’yan sa SALN issue, hindi lang isa ‘yan, lahat ‘yan. Ire-reduct lang natin ‘yong dapat i-reduct, that’s a data privacy,” he said.
He added that the Office of the Ombudsman will seek permission from those whose SALNs are under scrutiny to ensure transparency and compliance with proper procedures.
“Syempre hihingi tayo sa lahat ng requesting parties undertaking na hindi gagamitin ito sa paraan na hindi makakabuti sa bayan,” the Ombudsman explained.
“Kasi baka mamaya, maging political noise lang ‘yan at maging poison lang. Baka naman pag-isipan natin ulit ‘yan,” he added.
Remulla also emphasized that he will handle all sensitive information with caution and accountability.
“Information is power. Pero with great power comes [with] great responsibility. Dapat responsible tayo sa information na nakukuha natin,” he said.
His remarks came after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa expressed surprise over reports that Remulla might begin his term by reviewing VP Duterte’s SALN.
In an interview with True FM on Wednesday, October 8, Dela Rosa questioned the timing of such a move.
“Pero ang nakikita kong problema, bakit sa dami-daming problema ng Pilipinas ngayon patungkol dito sa… dahil d’yan sa flood-control projects. Bakit ang first order of the day niya ay nakatutok kaagad sa pag-iimbestiga kay VP Sara Duterte?” Dela Rosa said.
Remulla, however, assured that his actions as Ombudsman will be impartial, guided by evidence, and free from political motivation.