MANILA – The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) forwarded a shortlist of seven nominees to Malacañang from which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will appoint the next Ombudsman.

In a letter dated October 6 and signed by Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Marvic Leonen, the nominees—listed alphabetically—are:

• Michael Aguinaldo, Philippine Competition Commission chairperson
• Stephen Cruz, retired Court of Appeals justice
• Samuel Gaerlan, Supreme Court associate justice
• Anna Liza Logan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs
• Mario Lopez, retired Supreme Court justice
• Michael Frederick Musngi, Sandiganbayan associate justice
• Jesus Crispin Remulla, justice secretary

The new Ombudsman will fill the position vacated by Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the Ombudsman serves as an official critic of government laws, procedures, and practices, ensures public services are delivered effectively, and acts as a watchdog over the performance of government officials and employees. The post carries a fixed term of seven years and can only be removed through impeachment.

Appointments to the Ombudsman and its deputies do not require Congressional confirmation.

(PNA)