PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman, a day after the shortlist of nominees for the post was released.
Remulla succeeds former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose seven-year term ended on July 27. Under the law, the Ombudsman serves a fixed seven-year term without reappointment.
The Office of the Ombudsman is tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-ranking government officials accused of misconduct, corruption, or offenses involving large amounts of money or property.
Remulla earlier pledged to ensure that the Tanodbayan’s office will not be used as a political weapon, stressing that “too much politics” has taken place within the institution in recent years.
His appointment marks a significant transition for the Department of Justice, which Remulla has led since 2022, as he moves into one of the country’s most powerful independent watchdog positions.