SOJ Remulla to file application for Ombudsman

JUST IN: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirms he will submit his application for position of Ombudsman @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews pic.twitter.com/SDrMQ2Xr7k

— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) June 30, 2025

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Monday that he will file his application to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the position of Ombudsman. 

“Mag a-apply ako, mag a-apply pa lang ako. I’m submitting my application by Friday, before Friday,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

(I will apply, I’m just about to apply. I’m submitting my application by Friday, before Friday.)

“I think I have a lot to offer there,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman handles the complaints filed against high-ranking government officials and those occupying supervisory positions, complaints involving grave offenses as well as complaints involving large sums of money and/or properties.

According to the JBC, the deadline for the submission of the online applications is July 4, Friday at 4:30 p.m.

This is because the term of Ombudsman Samuel Martires will expire on July 27. 

The Ombudsman serves a fixed term of seven years without reappointment.

Meanwhile, when asked about the complaint submitted by Senator Imee Marcos against him and others before the Ombudsman over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Remulla did not believe that this would lead to conflict.

“The JBC can always evaluate that properly,” he said.

Marcos submitted to the Ombudsman a chairman's report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court to face charges over the drug war.

The letter said the inquiry “uncovered acts by high-ranking government officials which very likely constitute criminal and administrative offenses.”

For its part, Malacañang previously reiterated that the government followed the law and acted in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization.

According to Remulla, he has informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about his  decision to apply. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News