Malacañang stood firm on Tuesday, defending President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s choice to appoint Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the country’s new Ombudsman.
According to the Palace, Remulla’s appointment was not a political move but the result of a strict and rigorous vetting process.
During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez was asked about concerns that Remulla might use the Ombudsman post to go after the President’s rivals. He dismissed the fears outright.
“Remember, there’s always a process. A very stringent process required under our Constitution,” Gomez explained. “Secretary Remulla went through that process. He was vetted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) before being appointed by the President. There’s no basis for those concerns.”
Gomez added that Remulla should not be branded as “controversial,” emphasizing once again that his selection was guided by constitutional procedures.
Still, the appointment raised eyebrows after Senator Imee Marcos—President Marcos’ own sister—alleged that Remulla was being positioned to target Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies ahead of 2028.
Despite the noise, the decision has been made. Remulla officially replaces Samuel Martires, whose seven-year term as Ombudsman ended last July 27. Under the law, the new Ombudsman will serve a fixed seven-year term without the possibility of reappointment.
The Ombudsman is one of the country’s most powerful watchdogs—tasked with handling complaints against high-ranking officials, tackling cases of grave misconduct, and investigating matters involving huge sums of money and government resources.
For the Palace, the message is clear: Remulla earned the post through a constitutional process—and politics had nothing to do with it.
