President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is looking for an Ombudsman who is “principled, courageous, and fair,” Malacañang said yesterday, as the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) confirmed it has received 17 applications for the post ahead of Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ retirement.
“There is no shortlist submitted to the President as of this time,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, emphasizing that the Chief Executive will wait for the JBC’s formal recommendation before making a decision.
Among those who applied for the post are Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares-Jacinto, Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi, and Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Beda Epres.
Also on the list are Court of Appeals Associate Justice Bautista Corpin, Deputy Executive Secretary Lisa Logan, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Romeo Benitez, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chair Felix Reyes, Sandiganbayan Presiding Judge Geraldine Econg, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, retired Court of Appeals Justice Stephen Cruz, retired RTC Judge Benjamin Turgano, RTC Judge Jayson Rodenas, and lawyers Melvin Matibag and Jonie Caroche.
The JBC said public panel interviews for the applicants are tentatively scheduled on July 30, 31, August 1, and 4.
The President must appoint the new Ombudsman from the shortlist that the JBC will submit, in accordance with the 90-day constitutional deadline following the vacancy.
The Office of the Ombudsman is tasked with investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of wrongdoing, including graft and corruption.
