Newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla reported for his first day at the Office of the Ombudsman this Friday, October 10.

Remulla starts his duty as the new Ombudsman, promising a thorough review of pending cases and a faster process when handling complaints and investigations.

“Siyempre, kinakailangan tingnan natin yung mga pending na kaso, at aralin natin kung yung aging ng kaso, kung paano umandar sa opisina, para maglalagay tayo ng mga patakaran para maging mabilis ng takbo nila,” Remulla said in a media interview after his oath last Thursday, October 9.

Remulla emphasized that his administration will focus on clearing backlogs and streamlining the Ombudsman’s internal procedures to ensure efficiency and accountability in the handling of cases involving public officials.

In his first media interview as an Ombudman, Remulla also signaled plans to revisit the controversial Pharmally case, which involved the alleged overpriced procurement of medical supplies at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sisilipin natin ‘yan, kasi parang nalimutan na. It's very possible, pero hindi dapat makalimutan talaga itong mga ganung kaso. Kasi alam natin, mabigat ang alingawngaw, at maraming nagsasabi na may nangyaring masama doon,” he said, referring to the findings from the previous Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.

Remulla noted that despite extensive Senate inquiries, the case seemed to have stalled. “Mayroong nangyaring pagdinig sa Senado, pero hindi na umandar mula doon. Ito ang kailangan natin — bisitahin natin,” he added.

When asked whether the investigation might reach high-ranking officials from the previous administration, Remulla responded affirmatively: “Siyempre, siyempre. Hanggang saan nga tayo abutin ng ebidensya, doon tayo tutungo.”

Addressing remarks from his confirmation hearing, where he was asked about “bending the law,” Remulla clarified that he intends to uphold the law while exercising discretion within its bounds.

“‘Bending the law, but not breaking the law’ — it’s a figure of speech,” he said. “That is the entitlement of the Senator who asked me the question, but I'll make sure that he's not asking me to break the law.”

Remulla succeeds outgoing Ombudsman Samuel Martires, and his assumption of office comes amid public calls for stronger anti-corruption efforts and renewed confidence in government accountability mechanisms.