Seven applicants for the position of Ombudsman have been included in the shortlist submitted to the President.
Out of 17 individuals who applied, those who made it to the shortlist are:
- Philippine Competition Commission chairperson Michael Aguinaldo
- Former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen Cruz
- Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan
- Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Logan
- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
- Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez
- Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi
The Judicial and Bar Council is composed of the Chief Justice as ex officio chairman, the Secretary of Justice, a representative of Congress as ex officio members, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a law professor, a retired Supreme Court member, and a private sector representative.
The President will select the next Ombudsman from this list.
The selected individual will replace the former Ombudsman, whose term recently expired. The Ombudsman serves a fixed seven-year term without possibility of reappointment.
Interviews were conducted over several days in late August and early September.
The Office of the Ombudsman handles complaints filed against high-ranking government officials and supervisory personnel, complaints involving grave offenses, and cases involving substantial amounts of money and/or property.
Philippine Competition Commission
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is an independent quasi-judicial body established in 2016 through the Philippine Competition Act. Its primary mandate is to enforce and implement the country’s national competition policy, promoting a fair and competitive market by prohibiting anti-competitive agreements, abuses of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.
Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals is an appellate court that reviews decisions made by lower trial courts to determine if legal errors were made. Its history stems from the need to provide a system of checks and balances within the judiciary, ensuring the consistent and fair application of the law. By hearing appeals, this court plays a crucial role in shaping legal precedent and upholding justice.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the United States, established in 1789 by Article III of the U.S. Constitution. It is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and has the ultimate authority in the American legal system, with its landmark decisions shaping the nation’s laws and civil rights.
Judicial and Bar Council
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is a constitutional body in the Philippines responsible for screening and nominating appointees to the judiciary and the Offices of the Ombudsman. It was established under the 1987 Constitution as a reform to promote transparency and depoliticize the appointment process for key judicial and legal officials. The council is composed of representatives from the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary, and the legal profession.
Integrated Bar
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is the official national organization of lawyers, mandated by the Supreme Court to which all practicing attorneys must belong. It was established in 1973 through Presidential Decree No. 181 to elevate the standards of the legal profession, improve the administration of justice, and enable the legal community to effectively discharge its public responsibility.
Office of the Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent, impartial public body that investigates citizen complaints against governmental agencies and maladministration. The modern concept originated in Sweden in 1809 with the creation of the Justitieombudsman to oversee the government and ensure it followed laws. Today, similar institutions exist in many countries, serving as a crucial mechanism for protecting citizens’ rights and promoting accountability and transparency in public administration.
