Vice President Sara Duterte has voiced her reservations over the appointment of former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, saying she would have chosen differently if she were president.
“Ipagpasa-Diyos na lang natin siya at ang kanyang mga gagawin bilang Ombudsman. Kung ako presidente, hindi siya ang ia-appoint ko na Ombudsman,” Duterte told reporters during her visit in Manay, Davao Oriental on Saturday.
Her statement comes amid public scrutiny of Remulla’s appointment, which has sparked mixed reactions from various sectors.
Duterte’s remarks suggest unease over his capacity to lead the Office of the Ombudsman, a position tasked with investigating corruption and misconduct in government.
Meanwhile, the vice president dismissed Remulla’s remark that he intends to review her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), saying he does not need to do so.
“Huwag na niya silipin. Diyos ko. Huwag na niya silipin. Huwag na niya silipin. Ilagay na niya sa harap niya at pag-aralan na niya ng maayos kung ano man yung gusto niyang gawin,” Duterte said.
In his first press conference after his appointment as the new Ombudsman, Remulla said he would look into Duterte’s SALN for possible irregularities.
Remulla said all public officials are subject to scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in government.
