Several senators welcomed the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, saying the latter’s extensive experience in the field of investigation is an advantage.
‘It’s a big deal that he has a vast background in investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and he will bring it with him at the Ombudsman,’ Senate President Vicente Sotto III told reporters.
‘He is the tribune and protector of the people, fearless in the search for truth and justice,’ he added.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the appointment of Remulla as the new Ombudsman comes at a time when the nation is confronting serious corruption challenges.
‘As a former Justice Secretary, he brings with him extensive knowledge of the country’s major corruption cases and the workings of our justice system. The nation now looks to him for decisive and impartial action in the fight against corruption,’ he said in a statement.
‘This appointment should send a clear signal that corruption, abuse of power, and other forms of misconduct have no place in government and that restoring public trust begins with holding everyone, regardless of rank, accountable under the law,’ added Gatchalian.
For Sen. Alan Cayetano, Remulla should be given a clean slate but people should watch him closely.
‘It’s a clean slate for me. Give Boying Remulla a clean slate then let’s keep an eye on what he will do,’ Cayetano said in a press briefing.
‘Congratulations to him and just follow your oath,’ he added. ‘I believe that all people have talent..it’s tough when it comes to judiciary, COA (Commission on Audit), Ombudsman, once you take an oath, it all depends on you.’
‘So if you allow yourself to be used in politics, if you have a group or if you have a personal agenda, you can do that. But that’s your call, that’s your conscience,’ he added.