Former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla has officially been named the new Ombudsman, assuming one of the country’s most powerful anti-corruption posts amid a packed investigative docket.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Remulla on Tuesday, October 7, succeeding former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired in July. Remulla took his oath of office on Thursday, October 9.
Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida will serve as acting Justice Secretary in the meantime.
As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to face and handle several high-profile cases:
1. Complaints filed against him
Even before assuming office, Remulla faces multiple complaints filed during his tenure as Justice secretary.
Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte lodged criminal and administrative complaints against Remulla and several officials over the handover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court on March 11, 2025.
Separately, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed arbitrary detention charges against Remulla and National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago for the arrest and detention of Cassandra Ong and Shiela Leal Guo, who were accused of involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators’ illicit activities.
Under standard procedure, officials who are subjects of complaints are expected to inhibit themselves from proceedings related to their own cases.
2. Flood control fund scandal
Remulla will also inherit a major corruption probe into anomalous flood control projects.
On September 1, the Ombudsman created a special panel of prosecutors to investigate alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, in coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Department of Justice and both chambers of Congress.
By late September, the ICI had recommended filing graft, malversation and falsification charges against former Rep. Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials.
3. Confidential funds investigation
The Ombudsman is also handling a contentious case involving Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds – P500 million from the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million from the Department of Education between 2022 and 2024.
The probe stems from a recommendation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. In June, the Ombudsman directed Duterte and nine other officials to respond to the allegations.
4. Pandemic-time Pharmally scandal
Remulla also vowed to revisit the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. controversy, one of the most prominent corruption cases to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said his office would reexamine findings and testimonies related to the alleged overpricing of medical supplies procured during the Duterte administration, as well as the accountability of officials linked to the transactions.
The case, which previously led to Senate hearings and criminal complaints, has remained largely unresolved since being referred to the Ombudsman in 2022.
Ombudsman’s scope
Under the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Ombudsman serves as the government’s independent watchdog against corruption and abuse in public service.
The office has broad authority to investigate, prosecute, and discipline public officials – from rank-and-file employees to Cabinet members – when misconduct, negligence, or misuse of public funds is suspected.
The Ombudsman can:
Initiate investigations on its own or upon complaint;
Direct public officials to act on or cease improper conduct;
Recommend suspension, removal, or criminal prosecution of erring officials;
Access government documents and financial records;
Administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and hold individuals in contempt; and
Publicize findings when warranted, ensuring reports are balanced and factual.
The office also has authority to recover ill-gotten wealth acquired after Feb. 25, 1986-when the current president’s father was deposed as dictator through People Power Revolution.
The Ombudsman, notably, is also expected to push for reforms that eliminate inefficiency, red tape, and corruption across government agencies.
Remulla steps into an institution under intense public scrutiny and charged with investigating some of the most politically sensitive cases in government.
The office he now leads holds sweeping powers to seek accountability, but its credibility depends on whether he can wield those powers with impartiality.