JUSTICE Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo has been named Acting Ombudsman, Malacañang confirmed on Monday.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said her appointment comes as the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) begins interviews for candidates vying for the permanent post, following President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Punzalan-Castillo will temporarily replace Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27, 2025.
A total of 17 legal professionals—including incumbent and retired justices of the Supreme Court and the Sandiganbayan, as well as top government officials—have applied for the position.
Among those vying for the post are Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla; SC Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan; retired SC Associate Justice Mario Lopez; Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg; and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi.
Also on the list are Court of Appeals Associate Justice Bautista Gler Corpin Jr.; retired CA Justice and current Philippine Postal Corp. chairman Stephen Cruz; Daraga, Albay Municipal Trial Court Judge Jason Rodenas; and retired Laoag City RTC Judge Benjamin Turgano.
Other applicants include former BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares; former COA Chairman and current Philippine Competition Commission Chairman Michael Aguinaldo; CHR Commissioner Beda Epres; Deputy Executive Secretary Lisa Logan; DILG Undersecretary for External, Legal and Legislative Affairs Romeo Benitez; PCSO Chairman and retired Marikina RTC Judge Felix Reyes; PDP-Laban Secretary-General Melvin Matibag; and PNP-IMEG member Jonie Caroche.
The JBC will conduct public panel interviews on July 30 and 31 and on August 1 and 4. Under the Revised JBC Rules, the Ombudsman vacancy must be filled within three months of its occurrence.
