JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has been appointed as the country’s seventh Ombudsman by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Malacañang announced yesterday afternoon, Oct. 7.
In a statement posted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through the Philippine News Agency, the Palace said Remulla is expected to “uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.”
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirms that transparency, fairness, and the rule of law will remain the guiding principles of this administration’s pursuit of a Bagong Pilipinas that truly serves the Filipino people,” the statement read.
Remulla succeeds former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term ended on July 27.
The line of Ombudsmen includes:
• Conrado M. Vasquez (May 12, 1988–May 12, 1995)
• Aniano A. Desierto (Aug. 4, 1995–Aug. 4, 2002)
•Simeon V. Marcelo (Oct. 10, 2002–Dec. 1, 2005)
• Merceditas Gutierrez (Dec. 1, 2005–May 6, 2011)
• Conchita Carpio-Morales (July 28, 2011–July 28, 2018)
• Samuel Martires (July 28, 2018–July 28, 2025)
Under Remulla’s leadership, the Department of Justice has implemented key reforms to modernize the justice system, decongest prisons, speed up case resolutions, and expand access to legal aid, the PCO noted.
Reports said Remulla’s appointment comes amid heightened public and congressional scrutiny over alleged corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly flood control programs.
