Manila: The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has announced the commencement of the application and recommendation process for the position of Ombudsman, currently held by Samuel Martires, whose term is set to expire on July 27, 2025. Interested candidates can submit their applications and recommendations through the JBC Online Registration and Application System (JBC O.R.A.S.) via the judicial platform www.portal.judiciary.gov.ph until 4:30 p.m. on July 4.

According to Philippines News Agency, the law stipulates that candidates for the position of Ombudsman and his Deputies, including the Special Prosecutor, must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, at least 40 years old, and exhibit recognized probity and independence. They should also be members of the Philippine Bar and must not have been candidates for any elective national or local office in the immediately preceding election, whether regular or special. The Ombudsman is also required to have at least 10 years of experience as a judge or in the practice of law in the Philippines.

Samuel Martires was appointed as the Ombudsman on July 26, 2018, by then-president Rodrigo Duterte following his retirement from the Supreme Court. The Office of the Ombudsman, established in 1989 under Republic Act 6770, is mandated to investigate and prosecute any act or omission by public officers or employees that appears illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient. It holds primary jurisdiction over cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan and may assume control of investigations from any government investigatory agency at any stage, as per Section 15 (1) of RA 6770, and Section 13 (1), Article XI, of the Constitution.

The JBC, a constitutional office responsible for screening appointments in the judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman and its deputies and special prosecutor, and members of the Legal Education Board, is chaired by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo as ex-officio chairperson.