The appointment of former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman has been met with a mix of relief and criticism depending on where one sits on the political divide.
Most independent observers acknowledge the strategic opportunity this presents on at least two main fronts – the Senate-stifled graft accusations against Vice President Sara Duterte and the cases against high-profile politicians involved in anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects currently under lone scrutiny by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICC). In the latter case, the Ombudsman can use its power to at least preventively suspend DPWH and other public officials where evidence is strong. This should be disincentive enough against ongoing malfeasance in various levels of government.
Remulla holds the most powerful anti-graft position in the land. The Office of the Ombudsman is the Philippines’ primary watchdog, capable of investigating, suspending, and filing criminal charges against virtually any government official or employee, short of impeachment.
Regardless of his past political alliances, Remulla will be judged by his willingness to wield this power without fear or favor. The right path for him begins with dismantling the barriers that have shielded corrupt officials. He can, for instance, begin with the restoration of public access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). By reversing this policy imposed by the previous Ombudsman, this action by itself is a powerful, tangible step and will show that he means business.
He has promised from the outset to overturn the previous Ombudsman’s memorandum circular which imposed restrictions on access to officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). While having vowed to reverse it, the political pressure that led to the restriction will likely remain.
The most immediate and politically charged case on his plate is that of Vice President Sara Duterte. She still remains popular in surveys despite the credible accusations leveled against her over her misuse of intelligence funds. Remulla could fast-track the preliminary investigation phase to determine whether the expenditures for confidential funds complied with existing auditing rules and procurement laws, and finally compel her to explain in convincing detail the vague narratives and justification she has been using to dispel the issue. But because she can only be sanctioned through impeachment, the goal should be framed around an airtight and irrefutable docket that can be immediately filed with the Sandiganbayan once her term ends.
One drawback is the perception that he may not be impartial due to his close political ties to the appointing power. Remulla actively campaigned for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections and was appointed by him as justice secretary henceforth. His critics will frame his efforts as weaponizing the office of the Ombudsman for political vendetta.
Having served multiple terms as a Representative and as governor, he is also a true-blue politician. This creates an inherent public question on whether he can truly be independent from the country’s political elite, including those he may have to investigate.
Remulla is aware that his appointment is a pivotal decision on the part of President Marcos. He has the opportunity to fundamentally change the Philippines’ corruption narrative. If he allows his office to be used as a political weapon or a shield for allies, his tenure will be another chapter in the country’s sad story of institutional failures. If he embraces the no sacred cows mantra with verifiable action, he can stamp a positive legacy for himself.
