Manila: The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has forwarded a shortlist of seven nominees to Malaca±ang, from which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to appoint the next Ombudsman. The shortlist was officially communicated in a letter dated October 6, signed by Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Marvic Leonen.

According to Philippines News Agency, the nominees, listed alphabetically, include Philippine Competition Commission chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, retired Court of Appeals Justice Stephen Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan, retired Supreme Court justice Mario Lopez, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The new Ombudsman will succeed Samuel Martires, whose term ended on July 27.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the Ombudsman is tasked with examining laws, procedures, and government practices. The role involves ensuring that citizens receive consistent services and acting as a watchdog over government officials and employees. The Ombudsman serves a fixed term of seven years and can only be removed through impeachment.

The appointments of the Ombudsman and its deputies do not require Congressional confirmation, simplifying the process once President Marcos Jr. makes his selection.