MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday confirmed he will apply for the position of Ombudsman, as incumbent Samuel Martires nears the end of his seven-year term on August 6.

“Mag-a-apply ako. Mag-a-apply pa lang ako (I will apply. I’m just about to apply). I’m submitting my application by Friday. I think I will have a lot to offer there,” Remulla told reporters in a chance interview.

Remulla is facing a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman from the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte, but said it would be up to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to assess his qualifications.

“Okay lang ’yun. The JBC can always evaluate that properly,” he said. “I think the JBC is in the best position to appreciate whatever I have to offer as Ombudsman.”

Remulla also expressed confidence in the Department of Justice’s continuity in case he is appointed. “Madali na ’yun. Saka na natin pag-usapan ’yan. I think we are solidly organized here and it can stand on its own if the succession is okay,” he said.

The Ombudsman is tasked with investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of crimes, including graft and corruption. The President appoints the Ombudsman from a shortlist submitted by the JBC, with the position carrying a non-renewable seven-year term. The Ombudsman may only be removed from office through impeachment.