Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla declared his firm interest in Ombudsman post, emphasizing the need for a proactive and aggressive approach to combat what he calls a worsening “culture of impunity” in corruption across all levels of government.
In an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, July 8, he criticized the recent trend of appointing retired Supreme Court justices to the Ombudsman post
“This is not a retirement job. This is one of the most important jobs in this country,” Remulla said.
Remulla has made clear he is prepared and willing to take on the challenge, as he explained that his fascination with the Ombudsman’s role dates back to his law school days.
“Matagal ko nang tinitingnan ang posisyon na ‘yan noong bata pa ako,” he said. “Actually, noong graduating kami sa College of Law at tinake up namin ang Philippine Constitution, fascinated na ako sa idea ng Ombudsman.”
He lamented that the office has not been fully empowered to fulfill its constitutional mandate, suggesting that past appointments have not always been aligned with what the role demands.
“Nasasayangan lang ako dahil hindi ito nalalaunch nang maganda. And I think it’s about time that we made a significant decision in our society,” Remulla said.
“Kasi hindi lagi angkop ‘yung nilalagay natin sa Ombudsman. Magagaling sila, pero hindi sila angkop,” he added.
The Justice Secretary, the job calls for energy, boldness, and a proactive stance, not the slow pace often associated with retirement.
“Ang demeanor na kinakailangan mo ay aggressive. Dapat pro-active, hindi retiring ang porma dito," he stressed.
At 64, the Remulla believes he is at the peak of his capacity to lead and reform the Ombudsman.
“Ako, I have always been spirited about what I do. I'm very passionate about what I do. And I think that it may be a job that’s cut out for me in the end.”
Remulla pointed out that corruption in the Philippines has become so normalized that there is “no more shame” — from the barangay level up to high-ranking government offices.
“Dapat talaga tapangan na natin ang timpla ng Ombudsman,” he said.
“Wala na kasing impurity na ngayon. Culture of impurity in corruption. Wala na, wala na hiyaan ngayon from the lowest barangay up to the different big officers. Mayroon tayong problema talaga,” Remulla added.
He further stated that the role must help restore balance in governance and ensure the proper functioning of government institutions.
“Mahalaga mayroon babalansin ang pagtingin natin to governance at proper way of doing things in government. Yun lang tingin ko talaga,” he said.
Remulla said his application for the position was something he personally informed the president about.
He also commented on the limitations the public currently faces in accessing documents like the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SAL-N), particularly under Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ term.
“Ang tingin ko, basta may probable cause, dapat madaling kumuha yan. Kasi it's just a basis for investigating everybody. It is a standard that is set so that we will all be honest about what we do," he explained.
Remulla describe the Ombudsman position as “the only office in the Constitution created specifically to curb corruption,” Remulla said it must be deeply connected to the people it serves.
Meanwhile, he further assured the public that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is prepared to continue its operations smoothly in his absence, should he be appointed as Ombudsman.
“Tatakbo naman ang gobyerno na wala ako, ng executive department na wala ako. Maganda naman ang pagkasalansa natin sa DOJ. It will go on autopilot. Maganda ang simplada ng mga tao natin sa DOJ. It can go without me. Autopilot na yan. Wala nang problema yan," he affirmed.
Remulla also gave updates on the DOJ’s efforts to secure justice in the high-profile case of the 'missing sabungeros' or cockfighting enthusiasts), stating that a witness known as alias “Totoy” is currently under protective custody and could potentially be considered credible for testimony.
“Yes, he is a very credible witness,” Remulla affirmed.
As for how the DOJ handles high-stakes cases, he made it clear that they will never file charges merely for compliance.
"Ang philosophy natin sa DOJ, when we file, we're ready for trial. And we're ready to convict those who are charged with a crime,” he stated.
