A POLITICAL coalition has raised concern over what it described as political interference in the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) selection of the next Ombudsman.
Political coalition 1Sambayan, founded by former Supreme Court Senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, on Sunday questioned the timing of the complaints filed against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla at a time when the JBC is looking into the qualifications of nominees for the next Ombudsman.
“The timing and nature of these cases against Secretary Remulla raise serious concerns that they are intended to unduly influence the JBC’s deliberations and potentially disqualify a prospective nominee based on political considerations rather than merit,” 1Sambayan, in a statement, said.
The coalition warned that such tactics could undermine the JBC’s independence.
“Allowing politically motivated legal challenges to influence this process would be a disservice to the Constitution and the Filipino people,” it said.
It urged the JBC to uphold its duty to evaluate candidates based on merit, experience and ethical standing.
“The integrity of the Ombudsman selection process, and the credibility of the JBC itself, is at stake. It must send a clear message that it will not be swayed by politically motivated tactics and will prioritize the selection of the most qualified and impartial candidate for Ombudsman,” it said.
Remulla applied for the Ombudsman post following the retirement of Ombudsman Samuel Martires last July 27.
To qualify, Remulla needs to secure a clearance from the Ombudsman certifying that he has no pending case with the agency before the JBC if he wants his name included in the shortlist of candidates, which will be submitted to the President.
The law office of Ferdinand Topacio, in a letter dated Sept. 15, has informed the JBC that they filed a case against Remulla and several others before the Ombudsman.
Another case was also filed against Remulla and several other government officials before the Ombudsman in connection with the arrest and subsequent turnover to the International Criminal Court of his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The JBC is a constitutional body responsible for screening and recommending candidates for appointments to the Supreme Court, other lower courts, and the office of the Ombudsman.
