In a move that has stirred both hopes and apprehensions across the Philippines’ political landscape, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the country’s new Ombudsman. The announcement, made on October 7, 2025, comes at a particularly charged moment, with the nation grappling with a high-profile corruption scandal linked to flood control projects and mounting public demand for accountability in government.
Remulla’s ascension to the powerful post—tasked with investigating and prosecuting government corruption—has not been without controversy. As reported by Inquirer, Remulla sought to allay fears that his new role might be wielded as a political cudgel against rivals or critics of the Marcos administration. "When I became DOJ secretary, the first thing I removed was the weaponization of the law. It will not be weaponized. I will assure everyone," Remulla stated in Filipino to reporters following the announcement of his appointment. He emphasized, "The job of the Ombudsman is for the entire Philippines, not for one political camp, so we will not spare anyone here."
The Office of the Ombudsman, a constitutionally independent body, plays a crucial role in the Philippines’ anti-corruption framework. It investigates complaints against public officials and, when warranted, prosecutes them before the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court. With Remulla’s appointment, the office is expected to take center stage in ongoing investigations, including those tied to the alleged misuse of confidential funds and the controversial flood control projects that have rocked the political establishment in recent months.
According to South China Morning Post, Remulla’s appointment has sparked concerns among watchdog groups and segments of the opposition, given his close ties to President Marcos Jr. and the fact that congressional inquiries into the flood project scandal have implicated several lawmakers, including the president’s cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez and other legislators have denied any wrongdoing, but the cloud of suspicion remains, fueling debate about whether the Ombudsman’s office can maintain its independence.
Malacañang, the presidential palace, was quick to frame Remulla’s new mission as one of integrity and impartiality. In a statement released by Marcos’ communications office, the administration declared, “There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable.” The message was clear: Remulla is expected to “uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.”
Remulla’s own career has not been untouched by controversy. Prior to his appointment, he faced criminal and disbarment cases related to his involvement in the arrest and subsequent transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). These cases, however, were eventually dismissed, and Remulla received a clearance from the very office he now leads. This allowed his name to be included on the shortlist of candidates for Ombudsman, despite vocal opposition from some quarters.
He is set to take his oath of office on October 9, 2025, and will officially assume the Ombudsman’s duties the following day. In the interim, Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida will serve as the Department of Justice’s officer-in-charge, ensuring continuity at the DOJ while Remulla transitions to his new post.
One of the first major tests facing Remulla as Ombudsman will be his handling of the confidential funds controversy. As he told reporters, “It’s already there at the OMB, those reports. We will open them, study them, and ask the current handlers and those with the duty to handle those cases before we proceed.” This statement signals an intention to address high-profile and potentially sensitive matters head-on, rather than sidestepping them—a stance that will be closely watched by both supporters and skeptics.
The backdrop to Remulla’s appointment is a Philippines still reeling from the effects of devastating floods and the subsequent outcry over alleged corruption in government flood control projects. Congressional inquiries have sought to uncover the extent of the wrongdoing, but the process has been fraught with political intrigue and accusations of partisanship. The involvement of influential figures, such as Romualdez, has only heightened the stakes, with many Filipinos demanding that the investigation proceed without fear or favor.
For President Marcos Jr., the appointment of a trusted ally to the Ombudsman’s office is a double-edged sword. On one hand, Remulla’s reputation as a seasoned legal professional and his previous leadership at the Department of Justice could lend much-needed credibility to the administration’s pledge to combat corruption. On the other, the optics of installing a close associate in a watchdog role have fueled suspicions of political maneuvering at a time when public confidence in government institutions is already fragile.
Political analysts note that the effectiveness of Remulla’s tenure will hinge on his ability to demonstrate independence and impartiality, especially in cases that touch on the highest echelons of power. The Marcos administration’s insistence that “there will be no sacred cows” will be put to the test as the Ombudsman’s office navigates investigations that could implicate powerful allies and adversaries alike.
Remulla’s own words—“The job of the Ombudsman is for the entire Philippines, not for one political camp, so we will not spare anyone here”—reflect an awareness of the scrutiny he now faces. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether he can translate these assurances into action, and whether the office can serve as a bulwark against corruption, regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the Filipino public watches closely, aware that the stakes extend far beyond individual scandals. The credibility of the Ombudsman’s office and, by extension, the broader fight against corruption, will shape the country’s political trajectory in the years ahead. For now, all eyes are on Remulla as he prepares to take the oath and step into one of the nation’s most consequential roles.
