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Marcos appoints Remulla as new Ombudsman of the Philippines

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President Marcos names Justice Secretary Boying Remulla as Ombudsman to lead anti-corruption efforts under Bagong Pilipinas.- (PH DOJ official photo)

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman of the Republic of the Philippines, following the completion of Hon. Samuel R. Martires’seven-year term in July.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed the appointment on October 7, 2025, in an official statement highlighting Remulla’s record in justice reform and public accountability. The announcement came a day after the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) transmitted its shortlist of seven nominees to Malacañang for the President’s consideration.

“The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists,” the Palace statement said. “As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.”

A public servant’s journey

Remulla, 64, has served as the 59th Secretary of Justice since June 2022, leading efforts to modernize the justice system, decongest prisons, and accelerate case resolution nationwide. Before his Cabinet appointment, he built a decades-long career in public service spanning Congress, provincial government, and law practice.

A native of Cavite, Remulla hails from one of the province’s long-established political families. He is the son of the late Governor Juanito “Johnny” Remulla Sr., who served multiple terms as Cavite’s chief executive, and brother to Jonvic Remulla, now Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. Another brother, Gilbert Remulla, is a former lawmaker and broadcast journalist.

He earned his AB Political Science and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman, passing the Bar in 1987. He began his public career as a Cavite provincial board member (1992–1995) and later represented his province in the House of Representatives for multiple terms, serving as Deputy Speaker and Senior Deputy Majority Leader. He also served as Governor of Cavite (2016–2019) before returning to Congress in 2019.

Remulla’s son, Crispin Diego “Ping” Remulla, currently represents Cavite’s 7th District in Congress, continuing the family’s political lineage.

As Justice Secretary, Remulla oversaw reforms aimed at improving prosecution integrity, digitizing case management, and expanding access to justice through regional service centers. His leadership drew national attention for its institutional focus and emphasis on accountability within the justice system.

A constitutional watchdog

The Office of the Ombudsman, created under Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, serves as the nation’s independent anti-corruption body tasked to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of wrongdoing. The Ombudsman’s powers include filing graft and corruption cases before the Sandiganbayan, initiating administrative sanctions, and recommending reforms to improve government integrity.

The post carries a non-renewable seven-year term, and the Ombudsman may only be removed through impeachment, underscoring the office’s independence from the executive and legislative branches.

Transition at the Department of Justice

With Remulla’s appointment, Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida has been designated Officer-in-Charge (OIC)of the DOJ. Vida, who heads the department’s administrative and personnel services, will serve in that capacity until a permanent Secretary is named.

Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that no shortlist has yet been submitted for the new DOJ chief. Remulla is expected to take his oath Thursday and assume the Ombudsman post Friday, according to the PCO.

This leaves the DOJ post officially vacant as of October 7, 2025, when Remulla stepped down from the Cabinet role.

Restoring public trust

At a time when public confidence in government institutions remains fragile, the appointment of a new Ombudsman carries significance beyond political succession. The Ombudsman’s independence is central to holding officials accountable and ensuring that justice applies equally to all, regardless of rank or influence.

Observers note that Remulla’s move from the DOJ to the country’s top anti-graft post will test his ability to balance institutional experience with impartial oversight. How he handles politically sensitive cases could shape both his legacy and the credibility of the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda for transparent governance.
“There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses,” the PCO statement added. “Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable.”

Senate reaction

Members of the Senate welcomed the appointment, calling it a step toward stronger accountability.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III described Remulla as a “principled and courageous public servant,” while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said his familiarity with corruption cases and the justice system “will serve the country well.”
Both lawmakers said the new Ombudsman must demonstrate independence to rebuild confidence in public institutions.

Integrity and the rule of law

Beyond personalities, the strength of the Ombudsman’s office rests on its independence and the public’s faith in its impartiality. How the new Ombudsman steers that mandate will determine whether Filipinos see the promise of a Bagong Pilipinas not only in policy but in the consistent and fair application of the law.

President Marcos reaffirmed that transparency, fairness, and the rule of law will remain guiding principles of his administration’s pursuit of a just and responsive government that “truly serves the Filipino people.”

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