Photo credit: 1Sambayan

A prominent political coalition led by former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is raising the alarm over what it calls political interference in the selection of the next Ombudsman. The group, 1SAMBAYAN, is concerned that legal complaints recently filed against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla are a tactic to sway the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

A Matter of Timing and Motive

1SAMBAYAN believes the timing of these cases against Secretary Remulla is no coincidence. "The timing and nature of these cases against Secretary Remulla raise serious concerns that they are intended to unduly influence the JBC's deliberations and potentially disqualify a prospective nominee based on political considerations rather than merit," the group said in a statement.
The coalition argues that these politically motivated challenges could undermine the JBC's independence, which is crucial for a fair and impartial selection process.

Protecting the JBC's Independence

The Ombudsman is a powerful official, tasked with investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of wrongdoing. For 1SAMBAYAN, the integrity of this office hinges on a selection process free from political pressure. "Allowing politically motivated legal challenges to influence this process would be a disservice to the Constitution and the Filipino people," the group warned.

1SAMBAYAN is urging the JBC to stand firm. The coalition stressed that the council must uphold its duty to evaluate candidates based solely on their merit, experience, and ethical standing. The group emphasized that the JBC's credibility is on the line. "The JBC must send a clear message that it will not be swayed by politically motivated tactics and will prioritize the selection of the most qualified and impartial candidate for Ombudsman."