President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman, giving him a seven-year term that will run until 2032.
Remulla emerged as the top choice among seven nominees, which included Philippine Competition Commission Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, PHLPost Chairperson Stephen Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan, retired SC Associate Justice Mario Lopez, and Sandiganbayan 4th Division Chairperson Michael Frederick Musngi.
As Ombudsman, Remulla will head the constitutional body tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and disciplining government officials accused of wrongdoing. He replaces former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who retired in July after completing his term.
His appointment comes amid ongoing government efforts to address corruption in flood control projects. The new Ombudsman is expected to play a key role in investigating and prosecuting public officials involved in these irregularities.
Public interest also centers on Remulla’s stance regarding access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) and the conduct of lifestyle checks—both of which were restricted under Martires’ leadership. Remulla earlier indicated plans to revisit these policies in pursuit of greater transparency.
Before his new role, Remulla served as DOJ Secretary since 2022, one of the earliest cabinet appointments under the Marcos administration. He previously served as Cavite’s 7th District representative and as governor of the province.
Remulla’s path to the Ombudsman post faced challenges after Senator Imee Marcos filed administrative and criminal complaints against him for his decision to allow the International Criminal Court’s arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. These cases initially raised questions about his eligibility under Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) rules, which bar nominees with pending cases.
However, the Ombudsman eventually dismissed the complaints last month, allowing Remulla to secure the necessary clearance to be included in the final shortlist.
“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.
“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,” the Palace added.
