17 apply for OMB post, interviews July 30-Aug 4

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and 16 others have applied for the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) to succeed outgoing Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who retires on July 27.

The applicants include Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares-Jacinto, and Philippine Competition Commission Chair Michael Aguinaldo.

Other candidates are RTC Judge Jayson Rodenas, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi, and Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Beda Epres.

Public panel interviews for the OMB position will be held from July 30 to August 4, 2025, as scheduled by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of crimes such as graft and corruption.

The President appoints the new OMB holder following the interview process.