23/10/2025
Whats that? A new ombudsman has taken office!
From Department of Justice secretary to the 7th Ombudsman of the Philippines.
Who is he? What exactly does an ombudsman do?
[ Remulla in legislation ]
Atty. Jesus Crispin Remulla, served as the congressman of cavite from 2004 - 2013 and 2019 - 2022. While in Congress, Remulla served as deputy speaker during the 15th Congress (2010โ13) and was the senior deputy majority leader in the 18th Congress (2019โ22).
[ Remulla as department secretary ]
Remulla took oath as justice secretary on July 1, 2022, before President Bongbong Marcos.
On July 13, 2022, Remulla issued Department Circular No. 027, which creates the Prosecution Integrity Board to look into misconducts of government prosecutors and recommend sanctions against them if necessary, as his first order as Justice Secretary.
[ Remulla as the 7th Ombudsman ]
In July 2025, Remulla filed an application to become the Ombudsman of the Philippines. However, his application was challenged by a pending case on his role on the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, which would later be dismissed on September 12. This granted him clearance from the Office of the Ombudsman on September 25.
On October 7, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Remulla as the 7th Ombudsman, succeeding Samuel Martires, who retired in July. He was sworn in on October 9, prior to which he resigned as Secretary of Justice early the same day.
[ What is an ombudsman ]
According to the Office of The Ombudsman's official website, "The ombudsman protects citizens against injustices committed by civil officials."
[ The power exercised by the Ombudsman ]
Sec. 15(1) R.A. No. 6770; Sec. 13(1), Article XI, 1987 Constitution
โขInvestigate and prosecute on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal.
Sec. 15(1) R.A. No. 6770; Sec. 13(1), Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
โขInvestigate and prosecute on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal.
Sec. 15(2) R.A. No. 6770; Sec 13(2) Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any officer or employee of the Government, or of any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as any government-owned or controlled corporations with original charter, to perform and expedite any act or duty required by law.
Sec. 15(3) R.A. No. 6770; Sec 13(3), Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public officer or employee at fault or who neglects to perform an act or discharge a duty required by law, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewit.
Sec. 15(4) R.A. No. 6770; Sec. 13(4), Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such limitations as it may provide in its rules of procedure.
Sec. 15(5), R.A. No.6770; see also Sec. 13(5), Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary.
Sec 15(6) R.A. No. 6770; Sec 13(6), Article XI, 1987 Constitution.
Publicize matters covered by its investigation of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) hereof, when circumstances so warrant and with due determine what cases may not be made public.
Sec 15(7) R.A. No. 6770; Sec 13(7), Article XI, 1987 Constitution
Determine the causes of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and corruption in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and the observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency.
Sec 15(8), R.A. No. 6770);
Administer oaths, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum, and take testimony in any investigation or inquiry, including the power to examine and have access to bank accounts and records.
Sec 15(9), R.A. No. 6770.
Punish for contempt in accordance with the Rules of Court and under the same procedure and with the same penalties provided therein.
Sec 15(10), R.A. No. 6770.
Delegate to the Deputies, or its investigators or representatives such authority or duty as shall ensure the effective exercise of performance of the powers.
Sec 15(11), R.A. No. 6770.
Investigate and initiate the proper action for the recovery of ill-gotten and/or unexplained wealth amassed after February 25, 1986.
Sec 13(7), Article XI, 1987 Constitution; Sec. 18, R.A. No. 6770.
Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform such functions or duties as may be provided by law.
Constitutional Guarantees Insulating the Office from Political Influence and Interference
The organic provisions finally approved insulated the Office from political influence or interference by:
โข Giving the Ombudsman and his Deputies, whose appointments need no Congressional confirmation, the rank of chairman and members, respectively, of a Constitutional Commission;
โข Prescribing for them fixed term of Office during which their salaries cannot be diminished;
โข Removable from Office only by impeachment;
โข And, making it an independent office enjoying fiscal autonomy.
โ๏ธ: V. Pres. Roden, Amer
