Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has been named among the seven nominees shortlisted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the position of Ombudsman.
In a letter dated October 6, 2025, the JBC formally submitted its list of nominees to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in accordance with Article VIII, Section 9 of the Philippine Constitution.
Alongside Remulla, the shortlist includes former Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen C. Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary Anna Liza G. Logan, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi.
The shortlist was selected from 17 applicants vying for the position, which became vacant following the end of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ term on July 27, 2025.
The Ombudsman serves as the government’s top anti-graft official, responsible for investigating and prosecuting public officials accused of corruption and abuse of power. The JBC, a constitutionally mandated body, screens and recommends candidates for key judicial and constitutional posts.
