Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman will move forward with refiling administrative complaints against seven Court of Appeals (CA) justices. This decision comes after the Supreme Court dismissed the case initially filed by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court, in a resolution dated December 3, 2025, dismissed the administrative complaint filed by Martires on March 21, 2025. The complaint targeted CA Associate Justices Marlene Gonzales-Sison, Rafael Antonio Santos, Louis Acosta, Roberto Quiroz, Rex Bernardo Pascual, Mary Charlene Hernandez Azura, and Ferdinand Baylon for alleged 'gross ignorance of the law and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service'. The dismissal was on the grounds of the complaint being 'judicial in nature and for lack of merit'.
The case originated from the CA's decision to reverse the Ombudsman's preventive suspension orders against Antique officials. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has stated that his office will adhere to the Supreme Court's directive, suggesting that the complaint needs to be filed differently.
"Kasi sabi nga nila (Well, they said), file a case. We will refile it. If that's what the Supreme Court wants, we will do it," Remulla remarked in a press briefing. He emphasized the need for transparency and public understanding of justice system issues, adding that his office plans to engage in dialogue with both the CA and the Supreme Court.
