Justice secretary eyes Ombudsman position, says he has ‘a lot to offer’

JUSTICE SECRETARY Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Monday said he would apply to become the country’s chief graft buster, as the post gets vacated next month.

Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, whom ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte appointed in 2018, will retire on July 27.

The Office of the Ombudsman, who investigates and prosecutes corrupt public officials, was created by the 1987 Constitution. He can only be removed through impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate impeachment court.

The Ombudsman can file administrative, civil and criminal cases against erring public officials before the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court.

Mr. Remulla said he plans to file his application for the Ombudsman with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) this week, adding that he has shortlisted candidates to replace him as Justice secretary in case he gets appointed.

“I think I have a lot to offer there,” he told reporters.

The Ombudsman has a seven-year term, and if picked by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Mr. Remulla would be holding the post until 2032.

The Justice secretary said he had signified his interest to become the next Ombudsman to the President.

“I’ve already communicated it,” he said. “I told a mutual contact that I was very interested.”

The JBC, which screens nominees for judicial and quasi-judicial bodies like the Office of the Ombudsman, started the application period for the next graft-buster in May.

Mr. Remulla is facing a complaint before the Ombudsman over the arrest of Mr. Duterte and his subsequent transfer to The Netherlands, where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his deadly war on drugs.

The Justice secretary said he could still apply for the post despite the complaint. “That’s OK,” he said, noting that the JBC would take the complaint into consideration when screening him.

“I think the JBC is in the best position to appreciate whatever I have to offer as Ombudsman,” he added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio