DEPUTY Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun on Thursday called for sobriety in discussions surrounding Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s bid to become the next Ombudsman.
Khonghun stressed that the decision should be based on merit and evidence, not on speculation or public noise.
“We should allow the processes to take its course. Bigyan sana natin ng pagkakataon ang lahat ng kandidato, kasama na si Sec. Remulla, na ipakita ang kanilang qualifications at track record. Huwag sana tayong padadala sa tsismis o mga alegasyon na wala namang basehan,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun pointed out that the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is mandated to carefully evaluate candidates for judicial and quasi-judicial posts, a process designed precisely to screen applicants against stringent standards.
“Trabaho ng JBC na timbangin ang lahat: experience, integridad at serbisyo. Kung may reklamo, dapat silipin. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na automatic guilty ang isang tao dahil lang may nag-file ng kaso,” he explained, adding that the mere existence of complaints should not be used to prematurely disqualify a candidate.
The Deputy Speaker also warned against allowing politics to dictate the outcome of the selection process, saying that doing so would only erode public trust in democratic institutions.
“Kung pulitika ang paiiralin, mahihirapan tayong maniwala sa magiging resulta. Ang kailangan ng bayan ay isang Ombudsman na may kredibilidad at tunay na independent,” he stressed.
Khonghun observed that much of the criticism against Remulla has been amplified online, where narratives are often shaped more by political agendas than by verified facts.
He appealed for sobriety in the discussions and asked stakeholders to respect due process.
“Minsan kasi may tendency na gamitin ang social media para sirain ang isang tao kahit wala pang final decision. We cannot allow trial by publicity to replace the rule of law,” he said.
The opposition to Remulla’s candidacy has centered on pending complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and other agencies, with critics questioning whether these undermine his fitness for the post.
Khonghun, however, reiterated that fairness requires separating accusations from actual verdicts.
“Wala naman tayong naririnig na kasong nag-prosper against Sec. Remulla. Dahil kung ang pagpa-file lang ng kaso ang dahilan para madisqualify ka, eh di maaabuso ang ating justice system dahil may isang tao lang na galit sayo at kasuhan ka tapos hindi ka na magiging Ombudsman kahit kailan,” the Zambales legislator said.
He reminded the public that even the most dedicated public servants have, at one time or another, faced criticism or complaints, but that these must be judged on their merits, not on political timing.
“Sec. Remulla already said he will comply with all the requirements. Ang hinihiling ko lang: let’s allow him the same fairness we would want for ourselves. Hangga’t walang final ruling, he deserves to be treated with respect,” Khonghun said.
The lawmaker emphasized that the bigger issue goes beyond one candidate’s application, as it is about ensuring that the process of choosing the country’s top graft-buster remains credible, insulated from undue political influence and rooted in respect for the rule of law.
“We have to show Filipinos that we can rise above politics and give them an Ombudsman who can truly hold the powerful accountable. That’s the only way our institutions can stand strong,” Khonghun said.
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