NEXTGEN
Who’s vying to be the next ombudsman? Here’s the full list
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.