President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has appointed Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the next Ombudsman, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Tuesday.
Remulla replaces former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who completed his term last 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,” Malacañang said in a statement.
Remulla has served as the 59th Secretary of Justice since June 2022. Under his leadership, the DOJ advanced major reforms to modernize the justice system, decongest prisons, accelerate case resolution, and expand access to legal services.
“His decades of service as a legislator, governor, and lawyer have earned him broad respect for his integrity and commitment to public service,” 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,” it added.
In accepting his appointment, Remulla pledged to fulfill his new role with transparency and accountability. “I think the people want to know. They want to know what the Ombudsman is doing, so we will explain to them what we are doing,” he told justice reporters.
Remulla said his top priority would be the ongoing investigation of anomalous flood control projects in the country. Additionally, they will also study the committee report filed by the House of Representatives before the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the issue of confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He underscored, however, that the mandate of the office serves the nation’s interest and not directed against a political party. “When I became DOJ secretary, I first removed the weaponization of the law. And, it will not be weaponized, I will make sure of that,” Remulla said.
Remulla is passing on the reins of the DOJ to Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida, who has been appointed as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the DOJ.
Meanwhile, lawmakers at the House of Representatives weighed in on this development. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon welcomed Remulla’s appointment as the new Ombudsman and vowed to work with him.
“Similar to our cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the House Infrastructure Committee will also work with Ombudsman Remulla and transmit all transcripts, documents and other relevant evidence arising from our previous proceedings,” Ridon said.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima is cautiously optimistic, saying Remulla has to “prove his independence” in his new role as Ombudsman. “He should protect the people, not his relatives and political allies,” she said.
“Now that we have an Ombudsman, we must expedite the investigation and filing of cases not only in anomalous flood control projects, but also other rampant corruption, plunder and collusion in the government,” De Lima added.
