DOJ Chief Remulla Receives Ombudsman Clearance, Securing Path to Potential Ombudsman Role
MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has received clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding complaints filed against him by Senator Imee Marcos, removing a important hurdle in his bid to become the next Ombudsman. The clearance was submitted ahead of a deadline set by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and allows Remulla to remain a candidate for the position.
The need for this clearance stemmed from pending cases against Remulla when he applied for the Ombudsman post.Without it, his name would not have been included on the shortlist presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The next Ombudsman will serve a fixed term until 2032, making this appointment a crucial decision for the management. Remulla stated he will file a motion to expedite the resolution of the remaining pending issues, saying, “Its still there; it’s still pending. I’ll be filing a motion so that this will be resolved quickly.”
The JBC granted Remulla until approximately September 17 to submit the clearance, extending the deadline from its deliberations on September 3. SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed the JBC’s allowance for the delayed submission.
Remulla is considered a frontrunner to succeed Samuel Martires, the former Ombudsman appointed by rodrigo Duterte who retired in late July. other individuals reportedly under consideration by the JBC include Philippine Competition Commission chief Mike Aguinaldo and former Bureau of internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares.
