Statement of Incoming Ombudsman Boying Remulla on Seeing Prosecution for Those Deserving of it
Incoming Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla spoke about his “record” as the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Out of the 17 applicants for Ombudsman, only seven (7) of them made it to the shortlist following the screening of the Judiciary and Bar Council or JBC. Justice Sec. Boying Remulla was included in the shortlist for Ombudsman candidates submitted to Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. His inclusion to the shortlist prompted expectation that he allegedly has the biggest chance to be chosen by the Chief Executive.
The President will choose the Ombudsman from the shortlist submitted by the JBC. Shortly after the shortlist for Ombudsman applicants was submitted to the Chief Executive, the Palace confirmed that Marcos Jr. has chosen DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla as the new Ombudsman. It earned different reactions from the Filipino people including some government officials.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos has yet to personally speak on his decision to appoint Remulla as the next Ombudsman who will replace retired former Ombudsman Samuel Martires. The entry of a new leadership in the Office of the Ombudsman came amid the height of the supposed multi-billion corruption through the flood control projects funded by the government.
Previously, following his appointment, incoming Ombudsman Boying Remulla promised that he will try to speed up the legal processes over the flood control scam in the Philippines. He stressed that there will be “fact-finding” and the evaluation of every case that the DOJ and the ICI or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure will build up.
Recently, incoming Ombudsman Boying Remulla admitted that he is seeing prosecution for those who deserve it under his lead. He stressed that no other Justice secretary has allegedly imprisoned powerful individuals more than he did. According to him, there is no sacred cow for him.
“My record will speak for itself. Wala akong sinisino talaga. I think that no SOJ (Secretary of Justice) has sent more powerful people to jail than or to where they should be, than us, during our court of duty,” Remulla said.
Furthermore, incoming Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that he is not making a promise but he really sees that things are leading to the prosecution of those who deserve it. According to him, those who need to be prosecuted must be prosecuted.
“Hindi ako nangangako pero ang tingin ko, doon tayo papunta talaga: na ‘yung mga dapat usigin, usigin natin,” he expressed.
The appointment of Remulla earned comments from several senators. Based on a report on Inquirer, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano approved the Ombudsman appointment of the Justice Secretary but told the public to watch him closely. Senate Pres. Tito Sotto believes in the track record of Remulla with regards to investigation. However, as for presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos, she does not approve the appointment of the incoming Ombudsman.
Sen. Imee Marcos claimed that she is concern over the safety of the life of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte now following Remulla’s appointment. She previously claimed that she will stand against his appointment for the Duterte family.