7 applicants vie for Deputy Ombudsman for Military post

Seven individuals have filed applications to become the next Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, according to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

The applicants include Regional Trial Court Judges Divinagracia Bustos-Ongkeko, Rodney Magbanua, and Mario Duaves, as well as Assistant Ombudsman Jose Balmeo Jr. and Ombudsman Director Beda Epres.

Lawyers Camilo Correa and Voltaire San Pedro have also applied to replace retired Deputy Ombudsman Cyril Ramos.

Ongkeko, Magbanua, Correa, and San Pedro will undergo a public interview by the JBC on June 23. The previous interviews of Balmeo, Duaves, and Epres are still valid, the screening body said.

The public may submit to the JBC a sworn complaint, report, or opposition against any of the candidates until June 21.

Ramos' successor will be appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. —Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News