Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has raised concerns over the legitimacy of 204 new hires made at the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) in July, suggesting they may fall under the category of “midnight appointments”—a term used for last-minute government hires that often bypass standard vetting procedures.

Speaking during a flag ceremony and media interview, Remulla emphasized the need for transparency and compliance with civil service rules. “Unfortunately, last July, there were 204 new hires in the Ombudsman. I will ask these 204 people to re-apply lest they be treated as midnight appointees,” he said.

Midnight appointments have long been controversial in Philippine politics, often viewed as a way for outgoing officials to secure allies or reward loyalty before leaving office. Remulla’s move signals a push to restore integrity and public trust in the OMB, which plays a critical role in investigating graft and corruption.

To address the issue, Remulla has requested that some of the appointees submit courtesy resignations and refile their applications “in good faith.” He also confirmed that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is assisting in evaluating the appointments to ensure they meet legal and procedural standards.

“This covers all kinds of positions,” Remulla noted, adding that the CSC has been “very forthcoming” in its willingness to help resolve the matter.

The development comes amid broader efforts by the Marcos administration to intensify its anti-corruption campaign, including the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the launch of citizen reporting platforms.

As scrutiny over government hiring practices grows, Remulla’s proactive stance may set a precedent for other agencies to follow. (PNA)