MANILA, Philippines– The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has released a shortlist of seven nominees for the position of Ombudsman in the Philippines.
The list includes Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi, Philippine Competition Commissioner Michael Aguinaldo, Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Stephen Cruz, and Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan.
The Ombudsman post became vacant after the tenure of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires ended. The Office of the President will review the JBC’s shortlist and appoint the next Ombudsman from the nominees.
The JBC stated that its selection process seeks to identify a candidate with proven integrity, independence, and commitment to public accountability.
The new Ombudsman will handle investigations into complaints against public officials and ensure that government agencies uphold ethical standards and transparency.