Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has been officially included in the shortlist of nominees for the position of Ombudsman, the independent constitutional office responsible for investigating and prosecuting graft and corruption cases involving government officials.
In a letter dated October 6, 2025, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted the list of nominees to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in accordance with Article VIII, Section 9 of the Constitution. The JBC, a constitutional body tasked with screening and recommending candidates for the judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman, narrowed down the original 17 applicants to just seven finalists.
Alongside Remulla, the other nominees in the shortlist are:
- Former Commission on Audit (CoA) Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo
- Retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen C. Cruz
- Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan
- Deputy Executive Secretary Anna Liza G. Logan
- Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez
- Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi
The appointment of a new Ombudsman comes after the retirement of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term ended on July 27, 2025. Martires had served in the role since 2018, overseeing multiple high-profile investigations into alleged corruption within government agencies.
The Ombudsman plays a critical role in the Philippine justice system, acting as the primary anti-graft body. It has the authority to conduct investigations, file charges before the Sandiganbayan, and recommend administrative sanctions against public officials. The office is seen as a safeguard against misuse of public funds and abuse of authority.
Observers note that the inclusion of Justice Secretary Remulla in the shortlist adds a political dimension to the selection process, as he is a key figure in the Marcos administration. His background as Justice Secretary, coupled with previous roles in public service, makes him a strong contender, though critics may raise concerns about independence should he be appointed.
President Marcos Jr. is expected to carefully weigh the qualifications of all seven nominees before making the final decision. The next Ombudsman will serve a seven-year term without reappointment, a safeguard designed to ensure impartiality and independence from political influence.
The decision on who will succeed Martires is anticipated in the coming weeks, as the Office of the Ombudsman continues its mandate of upholding accountability and integrity in public service.