Next Ombudsman must uphold integrity, independence – Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is looking for integrity, competence, and independence in the country’s next Ombudsman as the term of incumbent Samuel Martires ends next month.

Martires, who was appointed in 2018, will retire on July 27 after completing his non-renewable seven-year term. The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will screen applicants and submit a shortlist to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will then appoint the next Ombudsman.

Asked about what the Palace seeks in Martires’ successor, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said: “Ang mahalaga ay yung integridad, yung kapasidad, at syempre yung independence. Kasi ito ay bibigyan ng mandato na tumingin sa mga kasong administratibo o criminal ng mga nasa gobyerno. So dapat may tapang at kalinawan ng pananaw sa batas.”

[Translation: What’s important is integrity, capability, and of course, independence. This position is tasked with reviewing administrative or criminal cases involving government officials. So the appointee must have courage and a clear understanding of the law.]

The Ombudsman is a constitutional office responsible for investigating and prosecuting public officials accused of wrongdoing. The office has authority over all public officials and employees, including elected and appointed ones, except members of Congress and the judiciary. It can also recommend disciplinary actions and initiate criminal proceedings.

It serves a single, non-renewable term of seven years to protect its independence from political influence.

Remulla in the running

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed he intends to apply for the post.

“I think I will have a lot to offer there. I think the JBC is in the best position to appreciate whatever I have to offer as Ombudsman,” he said.

Remulla said he has informed Marcos about his intent and has also considered potential successors for the Department of Justice, though he did not name them.

Malacañang said the selection process will strictly follow JBC protocols and that no decision will be made until the shortlist is submitted.