PALACE communications officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Wednesday dismissed rumors that she has been chosen to succeed Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as Justice Secretary, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to decide on the matter.
“Hindi po natin alam kung saan nagsimula ‘yan, so wala pong katotohanan ‘yan,” Castro said during a Palace briefing when asked about reports circulating online.
She added that there are no details yet on a possible shortlist of candidates to replace Remulla, who is stepping down following his appointment as the new Ombudsman.
When asked whether she would accept the position if offered, Castro replied, “Hypothetical question, I cannot answer.”
The communications official also brushed off speculation that Remulla, as Ombudsman, would prioritize cases against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Ang pagiging at pagtatalaga sa kaniya bilang Ombudsman ay dapat magkaroon ng transparency at managot ang dapat managot kung may dapat managot. Ang Ombudsman ay para sa lahat, hindi para sa iisang direktiba lang ng isang grupo,” she said.
Remulla will succeed Samuel Martires, who retired in July. Malacañang earlier designated DOJ Undersecretary Fredderick Vida as officer-in-charge once Remulla formally vacates his post.