A coalition of clean governance advocacy groups dubbed 1Sambayan has aired “deep concern” over what it sees as an organized attempt to influence the procedures of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) in selecting the next Ombudsman.
In a statement released to the media, it said political forces are using underhanded tactics to nudge the JBC in a direction of their own preference.
It said the target of these tactics is Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, one of the applicants for the post vacated last month by former Supreme Court Justice Samuel Martires after completing a seven-year stint.
1Sambayan noted that the recent filing of complaints against Remulla is calculated to derail his chances for the position.
“The timing of these cases against Secretary Remulla raises serious concerns that they are intended to unduly influence the JBC’s deliberations and potentially disqualify a prospective nominee based on political consideration rather than merit,” the group said.
It warned that allowing the filing of such complaints to be weaponized against certain candidates will create more problems down the road for other applicants in sensitive posts that also go through the JBC’s review and evaluation.
“This sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the JBC’s independence and integrity,” 1Sambayan pointed out.
It stressed that the JBC must be insulated from external influences in performing its role of vetting and recommending candidates based on qualifications, experience, and ethical standing, free from political pressure or manipulation.
“Allowing politically motivated legal challenges to influence this process would be a disservice to the Constitution and the Filipino people,” it said.
1Sambayan was convened by Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and counts former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, and former Negros Occidental governor Lito Coscolluela among its co-convenors.
