PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the next Ombudsman to be “fair, impartial” to dismiss concerns that the anti-graft court would be used to charge critics of the administration, Malacañang said.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the next head of the Office of the Ombudsman must possess integrity and not show partisanship — qualities that are on top of the President’s list.

“What the President wants, of course, is integrity, someone who cannot be dictated what to do and who does not take sides,” she said.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) last Sept. 2 concluded its public interviews of aspirants and is expected to submit to Marcos a shortlist of candidates for the post in the coming days.

Although the Palace has no timeline set, the Palace Press Officer said the President would swiftly act on the JBC’s recommendation.

“The President is quick to act. So, let’s just wait and see what his decision will be when your shortlist is there,” Castro noted.

The new Ombudsman will have a fixed seven-year term that will cross over into the next administration.

Meanwhile, Castro reacted to an earlier remark made by Sen. Imee Marcos that she will block the possible appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, a known ally of the President, as Ombudsman.

The lawmaker alleged that Remulla having control of the anti-graft court is a plan being hatched by the administration to bury Vice President Sara Duterte in cases to put her behind bars and disqualify her from running in the 2028 elections.

Marcos Jr. seeks 'fair, impartial' Ombudsman - Palace

Castro maintained that the Office of the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body.

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“What is Senator Imee blocking here? What is she implying? That justice should be given to select people or that friends should be protected? Does she want an Ombudsman who should avoid touching her friends? Isn’t it appropriate for the Ombudsman to be independent because this is an independent constitutional body?” she said.

“There is nothing to fear if the Dutertes did not commit any wrongdoing, which she seems to be worried about. They can defend themselves if necessary,” she added.