Martires decries ‘midnight appointing’ allegations

Former Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Tuesday rebutted claims by his successor, Boying Remulla, that he made over 200 “midnight appointees” during his final months in office before stepping down in late July.

Martires, a former Supreme Court Associate Justice, asserted that the hiring of employees, including two assistant ombudsmen, was done in compliance with existing laws and regulations and had the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“There are no midnight appointees because we are not a political office,” Martires said, arguing that the term applies only to political positions.

Martires, who retired on 27 July, explained that the assistant ombudsman positions were filled only after the previous officers retired. He insisted the appointments complied with procedure and were made public through the Civil Service Commission’s bulletin.

“You can’t leave the position vacant because it’s the bureau’s top supervisor,” he said.

Remulla, who succeeded Martires after relinquishing his post as Justice Secretary earlier this month, recently disclosed that 204 new employees were appointed shortly before Martires stepped down.

He suggested that many of the new hires, allegedly occupying high-level posts despite minimal experience, should submit their courtesy resignation and reapply.

However, Martires countered that the figure includes positions from drivers to resident lawyers. He maintained that the hiring was necessary to fill existing plantilla positions based on sectoral office requirements.

“When I planned to abolish the fact-finding investigation, I asked the DBM to hire 60 new lawyers in August 2024, and it was approved by January of this year,” Martires said.

Since assuming office, Remulla has implemented several reforms, including lifting the restrictions Martires put in place in 2020 on public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of government officials.

Earlier this week, Martires suggested to DAILY TRIBUNE that Remulla’s insinuations, which also touched upon the alleged “secret” reversal of a 2016 dismissal order against Sen. Joel Villanueva, were a deliberate effort to divert public attention from ongoing anomalies in flood control projects reportedly involving allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.