President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially appointed Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines, succeeding Hon. Samuel R. Martires, whose seven-year term concluded in July. The announcement was made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday, affirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability across government institutions.
Remulla, who has served as the 59th Secretary of Justice since June 2022, was chosen from a shortlist of seven nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) out of 17 total applicants. Other shortlisted candidates included former Commission on Audit Chair Michael Aguinaldo, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen Cruz, retired Supreme Court Justice Mario Lopez, Deputy Executive Secretary Anna Liza Logan, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi.
Under Remulla’s leadership, the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursued major reforms to modernize the country’s justice system. His initiatives focused on decongesting prisons, expediting case resolutions, and broadening access to legal services—steps that earned him recognition for his integrity and dedication to public service. Before joining the Cabinet, Remulla was a congressman representing the 7th District of Cavite and previously served as governor of the province.
The JBC’s selection process was rigorous, requiring all nominees to obtain clearances from relevant agencies. Remulla’s application had initially faced scrutiny due to pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, but he was cleared on September 25 after the cases related to alleged irregularities involving the supposed turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court were dismissed earlier that month.
In a statement, the PCO underscored that President Marcos expects Remulla to “uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.” The statement added, “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.”
Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez also expressed the Palace’s confidence in the appointment, describing Remulla as “a man of integrity and fairness.” He emphasized that the new Ombudsman would perform his duties impartially and with a strong sense of justice.
As the nation’s new chief graftbuster, Remulla is now tasked with overseeing the Office of the Ombudsman’s vital mandate to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of corruption. His appointment aligns with President Marcos’ vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” rooted in fairness, transparency, and the rule of law—principles that aim to restore public trust in government and ensure that justice truly serves the Filipino people.