MANILA — Acting Chief Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen urged newly sworn-in Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla to pursue accountability and integrity in public service as he formally took his oath before the Supreme Court.

In his message during the ceremony, Leonen reminded Remulla that “accountability from public officers is fundamental to public trust,” emphasizing that public service positions are only temporary.

“Congratulations to our new Ombudsman. Accountability from public officers is fundamental to public trust. All of us in public service should know that our titles are temporary and our duty is to fulfill the public trust given to us,” Leonen said.

The acting chief justice encouraged the Ombudsman to lead efforts in fighting corruption and ensuring evidence-based prosecutions against erring officials.

“May you constantly find the courage and creativity to discover the breaches of integrity and the regulatory capture being called out by our people. May you be able to build the evidence that can ensure that those who should be accountable can be made accountable by our courts,” Leonen said.

He added that Remulla’s leadership will be critical in prioritizing “strategic cases and issues that would lead to fundamental reform and rid corruption from our society.”

Leonen also assured the new Ombudsman of the judiciary’s support, noting that reforms are underway within the Supreme Court to promote transparency and digital transformation.

“Besides a bureaucracy that you will review and inspire, the judiciary will do its part, and we will be here for you,” he said.

The acting chief justice said the Supreme Court has established a public email address—integrity@judiciary.gov.ph—to allow stakeholders, including litigants, to confidentially report corruption within the judiciary. He added that the Court en banc created a working committee to inventory all projects undertaken with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and report their status to the Chief Justice.

“Build the cases. Discover, access, preserve, maintain and then present the evidence properly in our courts. With due process and due and deliberate speed, we promise that we will also do our part,” Leonen said.

He ended his message with a reminder to uphold integrity in service: “While we enjoy these temporary titles, we should do what we should. I ask of you, do not fail our people. They continue to suffer.”

Remulla officially assumed office as Ombudsman on October 9, 2025, replacing retired Ombudsman Samuel Martires.