PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the country’s seventh Ombudsman, succeeding Samuel Martires, whose term ended on July 27, 2025.
Remulla will serve a fixed seven-year term without reappointment, as mandated by law.
But what exactly are the powers of the Ombudsman?
Under the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770 (The Ombudsman Act of 1989), the Office of the Ombudsman, also known as the Tanodbayan, is the country’s independent anti-graft watchdog.
It is empowered to investigate and prosecute public officials and employees for any act that appears illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.
KEY POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
- Investigate and prosecute on its own or through complaints any misconduct committed by government officers and employees. The Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over cases handled by the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court.
- Direct government officials or employees to perform duties required by law, or to stop and correct abuses in the performance of their duties.
- Recommend disciplinary actions such as removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution against erring officials—and enforce compliance with such directives.
- Request documents and information from government agencies, including records of public funds or contracts, and report any irregularities to the Commission on Audit (COA).
- Administer oaths, issue subpoenas, examine bank accounts and records, and punish for contempt.
- Investigate and recover ill-gotten or unexplained wealth amassed after February 25, 1986.
- Recommend reforms to eliminate inefficiency, red tape, and corruption in government operations.
In short, the Ombudsman acts as the people’s protector, ensuring that public officials are held accountable and that governance remains transparent and ethical.
REMULLA’S ROAD TO THE OMBUDSMAN POST
Remulla’s appointment came after a challenging selection process.
His candidacy faced potential disqualification due to pending complaints filed by Senator Imee Marcos over his approval of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest order against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Under Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) rules, Ombudsman applicants with pending criminal or administrative cases may be disqualified.
However, the Ombudsman’s office eventually dismissed the complaints, allowing Remulla to secure a clearance and qualify for the final shortlist.
Following his appointment, Malacañang emphasized the administration’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
“The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists,” the Palace 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.”
IN SUMMARY
As Ombudsman, Boying Remulla wields one of the broadest investigative and disciplinary powers in government—able to probe, prosecute, and penalize corrupt officials while promoting transparency and accountability across public institutions.