By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has yet to receive a shortlist of nominees for the next Ombudsman, but emphasized the Chief Executive’s criteria for the successor of retiring Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
In a Palace press briefing on Monday, July 7, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is looking for someone with integrity, courage, and fairness—qualities that should be exemplified not just by the next Ombudsman, but by all public servants.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay wala pa pong natatanggap na shortlist ang Pangulo,” Castro said.
“At katulad ng ating sinabi, dapat po isang matino, matapang, fair—iyon po ang mga pangunahin, ilan lamang sa mga pangunahin na dapat na [maging] katangian hindi lang ng Ombudsman, [kundi] lahat ng public servants.”
Martires is set to retire on July 27. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and 16 other individuals have applied for the post.
The Office of the Ombudsman is a constitutional body mandated to investigate and prosecute government officials accused of crimes, such as graft and corruption.
The new Ombudsman will serve a full term of seven years. The tentative dates for the Judicial Bar Council public interviews are July 30, 31, Aug. 1, 4, and 6. (PNA)
