Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed on Monday that he plans to apply for the position of Ombudsman, with his formal submission to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) expected before Friday, July 4.
“I’m just about to apply. I’ll be submitting my application by Friday,” Remulla said in an ambush interview, adding, “I think I have a lot to offer.”
The Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases involving high-ranking government officials, particularly those linked to serious offenses or substantial financial misconduct. The position has a fixed, non-renewable term of seven years.
Remulla’s application comes ahead of the July 27 expiration of current Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ term. The JBC has set the application deadline for July 4 at 4:30 p.m.
When asked about a complaint recently filed against him and other officials by Senator Imee Marcos—connected to the arrest and potential ICC transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte—Remulla said he doesn’t see it as a conflict of interest. “The JBC can always evaluate that properly,” he remarked.
The complaint stemmed from a Senate report alleging that top officials may have committed criminal and administrative violations. Malacañang, meanwhile, has maintained that the government acted lawfully and in coordination with Interpol.
Remulla confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been informed of his intent to pursue the Ombudsman post.