The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday announced the appointment of lawyer Markjen Anika Gran-Ong as its new undersecretary, entrusting her with key administrative, legal, and oversight functions within the agency.

Gran-Ong, who was appointed on 28 January, will oversee the department’s finance, administration, and personnel services cluster. She will also serve as overall deputy for the immigration and special concerns cluster, special deputy for the legal services and legislative liaison cluster on women and children’s concerns, and executive director of the Prosecution Integrity Board.

According to DOJ, the Gran-Ong brings years of experience in both government service and private legal practice to the position.

Prior to her appointment, she served as head executive assistant and later as assistant secretary under former Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Gran-Ong began her government career in 2016 as a technical assistant at the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs. 

Before entering public service, she worked in private practice with law firms Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRA) and Fortun Narvasa and Salazar Law Office.

She obtained her law degree from Ateneo de Manila University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Philippines-Manila.