Palace: Remulla will be ombudsman for all

He is a graft-buster of the entire country and not just of certain groups, Malacañang said yesterday of former justice chief Jesus Crispin Remulla, whose appointment as ombudsman has drawn flak from critics doubting his impartiality.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

"The work of Ombudsman Remulla is for the entire country, not just for one sector or a group of Filipinos," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a Palace briefing. Remulla is set to take his oath today oday as ombudsman. Asked whether Remulla has direct orders from President Marcos to investigate the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of Vice President Sara Duterte, Castro replied: "The work of the ombudsman is for the whole country. Whatever needs to be investigated should be investigated. It should neither be ignored nor neglected." "What needs to be known by the public should be investigated by the ombudsman," she added.

Critics and political foes of the administration have assailed Remulla's appointment, claiming it was meant to pin down the Vice President and her allies.