Manila: The candidates for the Ombudsman position have a deadline by the end of the Judicial and Bar Council's (JBC) deliberation period to submit clearances on any pending cases against them, stated Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an interview, Ting mentioned that both Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chair Felix Reyes have been 'given until the day of the final deliberation to submit a clearance.' Failure to provide the necessary clearance will result in their exclusion from the shortlist of nominees for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to consider.

The list of nominees is expected to be released in the coming weeks, Ting indicated. Remulla and several officials are currently under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for various charges, including arbitrary detention, usurpation of judicial functions, grave threats, graft, usurpation of authority or official functions, false testimony, and perjury. These charges are related to the arrest and transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands. Ting did not provide details on the nature of the cases against Reyes.

The Ombudsman position became vacant following the end of Samuel Martires' seven-year term on July 27. According to the constitution, President Marcos has until October 25 to appoint a replacement.