MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Tuesday.

Remulla succeeds Samuel Martires, whose seven-year term ended in July.

“The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists. As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently,” the PCO said.
“There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable.”

Out of 17 applicants, Remulla and six others were shortlisted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC). The list included former Commission on Audit Chair Michael Aguinaldo, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, and retired Supreme Court Justice Mario Lopez.

Remulla’s nomination faced a procedural hurdle: he needed clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman due to pending cases linked to allegations regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supposed turnover to the International Criminal Court. On September 12, the Ombudsman dismissed the cases, and Remulla received formal clearance on September 25.

Before his appointment as Ombudsman, Remulla served as Secretary of Justice since June 2022, overseeing reforms aimed at modernizing the justice system, reducing prison congestion, and broadening access to legal services.

Palace Expresses Confidence

In a briefing, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said the government has the “highest confidence” in Remulla.

“He will be very impartial when he assumes his new role as the Ombudsman,” Gomez said.

He noted that the selection process was rigorous.

“There’s always a very stringent process required under the Constitution. He was vetted by the JBC (Judicial and Bar Council) and appointed by the President,” Gomez said.

“I don’t believe there is basis for that concern,” he added when asked about criticism that the new Ombudsman might be partial in prosecuting the President’s political foes.

Asked why Remulla stood out among the seven shortlisted candidates, Gomez said:

“At the end of the day, after the president receives the recommendation of the JBC, it is still the decision of the president after he receives the shortlist.”

Opposition and Controversy

Remulla’s appointment drew criticism from members of Congress, including President Marcos’ sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, who questioned the dismissal of complaints against him. Sen. Rodante Marcoleta opposed the nomination over Remulla’s stance on restitution in the Witness Protection Program, which he said was not legally required.

“If you hear it from no less than the Secretary of Justice, abrogating all the cornerstones of our belief in ourselves and our constitution — can you still include him as an applicant to the Ombudsman?” Marcoleta asked.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza said the JBC “considered it as light” and proceeded with voting after Remulla obtained clearance from the Ombudsman.

📷 Boying Remulla FB