DOJ chief Remulla, 16 others vie for Ombudsman position
Outgoing Ombudsman Samuel Martires is set to retire on July 27, 2025. — Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and 16 others applied for the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) position, vying to succeed outgoing Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who is set to retire on July 27, 2025.
The following is the list of applicants for the OMB as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC):
- Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan
- Former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares-Jacinto
- Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo
- Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Jayson Rodenas
- Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi
- Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Beda Epres
- Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Justice Bautista Corpin
- Deputy Executive Secretary Lisa Logan
- Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Romeo Benitez
- Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Felix Reyes
- Sandiganbayan Presiding Judge Geraldine Econg
- Atty. Melvin Matibag
- Retired SC Associate Justice Mario Lopez
- Retired CA Justice Stephen Cruz
- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
- Retired RTC Judge Benjamin Turgano
- Atty. Jonie Caroche
READ: Justice chief eyeing to be next Ombudsman
According to the JBC, the public panel interviews of the applicants are tentatively scheduled on July 30, 31, August 1, and August 4, 2025.
The OMB is responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials in the country who are accused of crimes, such as graft and corruption.
The position is appointed by the President. /das
