Seventeen candidates are in the running to become the next head of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), according to a list released by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) in July. The post is one of the most sought-after in government, as the ombudsman investigates and prosecutes public officials accused of crimes such as graft and corruption.

The successful applicant will replace acting Ombudsman Justice Mariflor Punzalan Castillo, following the retirement of Samuel Martires.

The official list of applicants includes:

Supreme Court

• Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan

• Retired Associate Justice Mario Lopez

Sandiganbayan

• Presiding Judge Geraldine Econg

• Associate Justice Michael Musngi

Court of Appeals (CA)

• Associate Justice Bautista Corpin

• Retired Justice Stephen Cruz

Regional Trial Court (RTC)

• Judge Jayson Rodenas

• Retired Judge Benjamin Turgano

Department of Justice

• Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla

Executive Branch Officials

• Deputy Executive Secretary Lisa Logan

• DILG Undersecretary Romeo Benitez

• Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo

• Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Beda Epres

• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chair Felix Reyes

• Former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares-Jacinto

Private Sector / Lawyers

• Atty. Melvin Matibag, DAILY TRIBUNE columnist

• Atty. Jonie Caroche

The application of Justice Secretary Remulla has drawn renewed controversy, with critics citing past criminal and administrative complaints, including his alleged role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Remulla’s son had also faced an illegal drug possession charge but was acquitted.

Remulla has dismissed calls for his withdrawal, saying he has filed a letter for reconsideration. The JBC has yet to comment on the disqualification claims.