Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday questioned the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the new Ombudsman, raising doubts about the credibility and independence of the country’s top anti-graft office under his leadership.

In a post on her official social media page, the senator expressed surprise and dismay over the appointment, addressing her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., directly.

“Bonget, si Boying talaga? Sure ka? Ok ka pa ba?” she said.

The senator criticized what she described as a series of failed political maneuvers surrounding the administration’s handling of corruption issues, referencing previous efforts she labeled as “Plan A,” “Plan B,” and “Plan C.”

“Nakaraang taon ko pa sinasabi, palpak ang Plan A na People’s Initiative, palpak ang Plan B na Impeachment, Plan C itong sa Ombudsman,” Marcos wrote.

She went on to express concern for Vice President Sara Duterte’s safety, hinting at growing political tension within the administration.

“Sa ngayon, ang iniisip ko na lamang ay kaligtasan ng buhay ni VP Sara,” she said.

Marcos further called for the appointment of what she termed a “People’s Ombudsman”, someone who could be trusted by the public to conduct impartial investigations and hold corrupt officials accountable without political bias.

“Palagay ko ang kailangan natin ay People’s Ombudsman, yung kapanipaniwala, katiwa-tiwala, at hindi kasapakat ng kung sino,” the senator added.

The senator’s remarks have sparked fresh debate over the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman, which plays a key role in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials.

Justice Secretary Remulla, who has yet to issue a statement on the senator’s comments, previously served as Cavite governor and was appointed DOJ chief in 2022.

His appointment as Ombudsman follows the retirement of Samuel Martires, who served the post since 2018.