Candidates vying for the position of Ombudsman have until the conclusion of the Judicial and Bar Council’s (JBC) deliberations to submit clearances on any pending cases, according to Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting.
In a media interview on Tuesday, Ting confirmed that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chair Felix Reyes were specifically granted until the final day of deliberations to comply with the requirement.
“If they cannot provide clearance, they will not be included in the shortlist of nominees,” Ting stated, referring to the list from which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will select the next Ombudsman.
The shortlist is expected to be released within the next few weeks.
Remulla, along with several other officials, is currently under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for multiple criminal charges—including arbitrary detention, usurpation of judicial functions, grave threats, graft, and perjury—linked to the controversial arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands.
Ting said she was not aware of the specific allegations involving Reyes.
The Ombudsman post became vacant following the end of Samuel Martires’ seven-year term on July 27. Under the Constitution, President Marcos has until October 25 to appoint a successor. (PNA)
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