Candidates vying for the Ombudsman post have until the end of the Judicial and Bar Council’s (JBC) deliberation period to submit their clearances on pending cases, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said on Tuesday.
In an interview, Ting confirmed that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chair Felix Reyes were “given until the day of the final deliberation to submit a clearance.”
Ting clarified that candidates who fail to provide clearance will not be included in the JBC’s shortlist of nominees, from which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will choose the next Ombudsman.
“The list may be out in a few weeks,” Ting said.
Remulla, along with several officials, is facing an Office of the Ombudsman investigation for multiple charges, including arbitrary detention, usurpation of judicial functions, grave threats, graft, usurpation of authority, false testimony, and perjury. The charges are linked to the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands.
Ting said she was not aware of the nature of the cases against Reyes.
The Ombudsman post became vacant following the end of Samuel Martires’ seven-year term on July 27. Under the Constitution, President Marcos has until October 25 to appoint a new Ombudsman.