Marcos appoints Castillo as acting Ombudsman

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo as acting Ombudsman following the retirement of Samuel Martires on July 27.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Castillo's appointment through a text message, with her new role set to begin on Monday, July 28.

Before taking up this position, Castillo served as the Office of the Ombudsman’s special prosecutor after retiring from the Court of Appeals in September 2024.

Castillo has extensive experience in anti-graft work and judicial roles, including positions at the Tanodbayan, Special Prosecutor's office, and Court of Appeals until her retirement in 2024.

The Judicial and Bar Council will begin interviewing candidates for the permanent Ombudsman position after Marcos' State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Ms. Punzalan-Castillo was also a Court of Appeals Justice appointed by President Marcos in November 2023.