Manila: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on personnel in his office to expedite actions on matters pending before the graft-buster's office. During a flag ceremony on Monday, Remulla emphasized the need for urgency in their work, stating, "I hope you will share my sense of urgency about our work. Hindi tayo pwedeng papetik-petiks dito (We cannot act slowly here)."

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla expressed his personal commitment to urgency and encouraged the Ombudsman staff to adopt this approach for the benefit of the Filipino people. He stated, "I've always had the sense of urgency. It's something I'm asking from the people here in the Ombudsman to help us with, to embrace that sense of urgency with regards to the work we have to do for the people of the Philippines."

In addition, Remulla addressed the issue of more than 200 new hires in the Office of the Ombudsman, requesting them to re-file their applications to avoid contravening rules against midnight appointments. "Pinapa-aral ko yung mga (I have ordered a study on the) admissions to the OMB. Unfortunately, last July, there were 204 new hires in the Ombudsman. And I will ask these 204 people to re-apply lest they be treated as midnight appointees," he explained.

Remulla assured that his actions are conducted in good faith and expressed hope that the new hires would reciprocate by re-applying or submitting courtesy resignations as a gesture of good faith. He further mentioned seeking assistance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to evaluate these cases, noting, "The CSC is very forthcoming, and they have communicated to us their willingness to help us with this issue with midnight appointees."