The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has released its official shortlist of nominees for the next Ombudsman, following the expiration of Samuel Martires’ term on July 27, 2025.

In a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the JBC, led by Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen, submitted the names of seven nominees for consideration:

1. Michael Galicia Aguinaldo
   
   

2. Stephen Caperiña Cruz
   
   

3. Samuel Hufano Gaerlan
   
   

4. Anna Liza Gonzalez Logan
   
   

5. Mario Villamor Lopez
   
   

6. Michael Frederick De Leon Musngi
   
   

7. Jesus Crispin Catibayan Remulla

The list was finalized after an en banc deliberation by the JBC.

The next Ombudsman will head the Office of the Ombudsman, the government body tasked with investigating and prosecuting erring public officials.

President Marcos Jr. is expected to appoint Martires’ successor from among the shortlisted candidates.