Who Will Head the DOJ If Remulla Chosen as Ombudsman?
DOJ – Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed the submission of his application for Ombudsman to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).
President Bongbong Marcos previously ordered the resignation of his Cabinet secretaries as he wanted a performance check. There were officials who were retained by the Chief Executive in their positions after they tendered their courtesy resignation while there are also those who were replaced.
On the courtesy resignation call of Marcos Jr., Malacañang previously said lazy and corrupt government officials have no place in the administration. DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla is one of those Cabinet officials who were retained in their positions.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos also retained the brother of the Justice Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, in his position. However, a few days ago, DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla confirmed that he will apply for the position of Ombudsman.
The deadline for the submission of applications for Ombudsman was set on July 4. Current Ombudsman Samuel Martires is set to retire on July 27. Recently, Remulla confirmed that he has made his application to be the successor of Martires.
Based on a report on PhilStar, DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla submitted his application for Ombudsman before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Thursday, a day before the deadline of the submission for applications. According to the Justice Secretary, he is not aware as to how many applied to be the next Ombudsman.
Remulla further confirmed that he has informed Pres. Bongbong Marcos about his plan to apply for the position of the Ombudsman which investigates the complaints against government officials. According to him, the JBC would still have to evaluate his application.
“I think the JBC is in the best position to appreciate whatever I have to offer as ombudsman,” the DOJ Chief said.
Based on the report, Justice Sec. Boying Remulla believes that the DOJ will be in good hands in case he will be chosen as the next Ombudsman. The choice lies in the hands of the President who will decide among the shortlist of at least three (3) nominees that will be presented to him by the JBC.
Reportedly, the Ombudsman’s office is an independent body. An Ombudsman shall serve for a term of seven years without reappointment.
Justice Sec. Remulla is one of those who usually speak on big issues in the country. Previously, he was the one who claimed that the asylum bid of Harry Roque was allegedly denied by the Netherlands — which the former spokesman called a “fake news”.