JBC submits Ombudsman shortlist

THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday transmitted to Malacañang its shortlist of seven nominees for the next Ombudsman, following a series of public interviews and deliberations.

The nominees include former Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, Retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza G. Logan, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick de Leon Musngi.

The shortlisted candidates were selected from a total of 17 applicants, interviewed between Aug. 28 and Sept. 2.

The next Ombudsman will succeed former Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, whose seven-year term ended on July 27.

The JBC letter endorsing the shortlist was signed by members Jose Catral Mendoza, Erlinda Uy, Francis Pangilinan, Gerville Luistro, Nesauro Firme, and Jose Mejia. Mr. Remulla, who sits as an ex officio member of the JBC, did not take part in the council’s deliberations.

“I’ll still be reporting for work here [Department of Justice] for sure tomorrow, because we still have a lot to finish. Let’s see how it goes,” Mr. Remulla told reporters on Monday.

The Office of the Ombudsman is a constitutional body tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption and misconduct involving public officials and employees. Under the 1987 Constitution, the President must appoint a new Ombudsman from the JBC’s shortlist no later than Oct. 25. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking