SOJ Remulla ready to reverse policy limiting access to SALNs

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he is ready to reverse the policy limiting access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) should he be appointed as the new Ombudsman.

“Basta with the proper safeguards lang, Ire-redact yung ilang bagay (as long as there are proper safeguards, some will be redacted). Commitment not to publish some things which may cause trouble to the people or their families,” Remulla said in Saleema Refran’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras.”

Remulla made the statement as he showed support for the conduct of lifestyle checks, adding that the public should also take part in the investigation.

The last four applicants for the vacant Ombudsman position underwent the public panel interview of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

Remulla was allowed to undergo the interview on the last day, even without clearance from the Ombudsman, due to a complaint filed by Senator Imee Marcos.

Marcos’ complaint stemmed from former president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and his transfer to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

“Not yet. I’m still applying for it (clearance). I’ll be filing a motion so this will be resolved as soon as possible,” Remulla said.

The Justice Secretary said he had asked the Ombudsman to dismiss the complaint, especially since he was only doing his job.

“It was a time when they asked the Secretary of Justice what his opinion is, if it's the right thing to do. And I said it's the right thing to do. I gave the clearance. That's it. It has a basis in law. Republic Act 9851,” Remulla said.

Marcos said she will be filing an opposition against Remulla’s application.

“There is a very ominous reason, clearly for Secretary Boying to become the next Ombudsman. It's the new face in the effort to get rid of VP Sara before 2028. And since the PI failed, the impeachment failed, therefore, the third attempt is lawfare at its very worst,” Marcos said.

“Imprison Inday Sara, all the Duterte allies, including myself perhaps, to be harassed by cases with a new Ombudsman. Plunder will be the name of the game. No bail and imprisonment until 2028,” she added.

When asked for his statement, Remulla responded, “No comment, I don’t have to comment.”

Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting explained that the Ombudsman’s main role is to investigate and prosecute the illegal acts or omissions of government officials and employees.

The Ombudsman can also suspend and remove government officials from their position, and even disqualify them from ever holding a government position.

Serving a term of seven years, the Ombudsman can only be removed via impeachment.

Aside from Remulla, Felix Reyes, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman, also has no clearance from the Ombudsman yet.

They still have until the final day of the JBC deliberation to submit their clearance.

The other 19 Ombudsman applicants also favor lifestyle checks. They are also open to looking into the order on limiting SALN access.

The JBC will undergo deliberation and will compile the results of the psych examination, written test, and ranking in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

The JBC will vote on who will be included in the shortlist, where President Ferdinand Marcos will choose the next Ombudsman. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News