The Office of the Ombudsman is set to hire up to 261 more lawyers as it strengthens its legal ranks and prepares to establish an investment ombudsman, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Saturday.

Remulla revealed 61 lawyers would be hired by December, followed by another 100 to 200 recruits next year.

“We’re hiring 61 more lawyers now until December, then next year, we will hire 100 or 200 more,” Remulla said during his weekly radio program.

He said the additional lawyers would help the Ombudsman address concerns involving government processes, including those affecting businesses and investors.

Remulla added that his office was also working on the creation of an investment ombudsman that would give entrepreneurs a venue for raising complaints about government requirements and other bureaucratic difficulties.

“We will establish an investment ombudsman,” he said.

The proposed post could receive complaints from entrepreneurs involving government transactions at the barangay level and higher.

He said reducing requirements for businesses could help encourage investment and generate more employment, particularly as political uncertainty may discourage some investors from putting up new ventures.

The investment ombudsman is not a new concept. Previous administrations had sought to revive the position as part of efforts to address corruption and bureaucratic obstacles in securing business permits and other government approvals.

In 2007, then-Trade Secretary Peter Favila proposed creating an investment ombudsman under the Department of Trade and Industry.

Remulla also acknowledged concerns involving the Anti-Red Tape Authority and the Philippine Competition Commission but did not elaborate.