MANILA – Senator Imee R. Marcos criticized the impending appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as the next Ombudsman, describing it as a political move that undermines the country’s last bastion of accountability.

In an official statement, Marcos said Remulla is set to be appointed to the post on Monday, expressing dismay over what she called a “forced appointment” of an unqualified individual.

“Sa Lunes, nakatakdang hirangin si Boying Remulla bilang Ombudsman,” Marcos said.

She lamented that the move reflects the country’s grim political state.

“Tunay ngang kulay itim pa rin ang kulay ng bayan; nagluluksa, nababalutan ng pangamba at kawalan ng pag-asa — sapagkat ang huling bantayog ng pananagutan ay pinilit wasakin ng pulitika at kalapastanganan sa Konstitusyon,” she said.

Marcos further claimed that the appointment disregards integrity and accountability, saying it involves “a person who is unworthy, with pending cases and tainted by injustice.”

“Isang sapilitang pagtatalaga ng taong hindi karapat-dapat, may mga nakabinbin na kaso at may bahid ng kawalang-hustisya,” she said.

The senator ended her statement with a prayerful appeal: “Iligtas mo ang inyong bayan, Panginoon.”

As of this writing, Malacañang has yet to issue a confirmation regarding Remulla’s reported appointment as Ombudsman.