Palace to Imee on next Ombudsman: Seeks justice or protects friends?

''Unang-una, ano po ba iyong nais niyang ipahiwatig, pagbibigay ng hustisya sa bayan o sa pagproprotekta sa kaibigan?'' 

(First of all, what is she implying? Seeking justice for the nation or protecting a friend?) 

This was the response of Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro to the statement made by Senator Imee Marcos that the application of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla to be the country's next Ombudsman is being pushed to imprison Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies by 2028.

''Ang nais niya po bang maging Ombudsman ay hindi man lang kakantiin o sasampahan ng kaso kung mayroong dapat na sampahan... ang mga Duterte, ang mga kaibigan ng mga Duterte, allies ng mga Duterte?'' Castro said. 

(Does she wish that the next Ombudsman would be someone who will not file cases against Dutertes as well as their allies even if they are liable?)

''Hindi po ba mas nararapat po na maging independent ang magiging Ombudsman dahil independent constitutional body naman ito at kinakailangan na magsampa ng kaso kung nararapat?'' she added. 

(Isn't it just right for the Ombudsman to be independent since it is an independent constitutional body and cases must be filed if required?) 

Imee, a sister of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr., said she would be filing an opposition against the application of Remulla to be the country's next Ombudsman. 

She claimed that Remulla was “[clearly] disqualified” for the position.

Meanwhile, Castro said the President wants someone with dignity and cannot be dictated as the next Ombudsman. 

GMA News Online asked the senator to comment on the matter but she has yet to reply as of posting time. — RF, GMA Integrated News