The Ombudsman position is gaining attention as Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg officially applied to take on the role, alongside her colleague Associate Justice Michael Musngi.
The Ombudsman is a key government position tasked with fighting corruption and overseeing the country’s anti-graft efforts. Econg and Musngi’s applications mark a significant moment in the ongoing search for the next Ombudsman.
Why the Ombudsman Position is a Natural Fit for Econg
Geraldine Econg expressed that her familiarity with government prosecutors’ work makes the Ombudsman position a natural fit for her.
The Sandiganbayan justices regularly work closely with the Ombudsman, and their daily interaction with the office gives them an understanding of its functions and importance. Econg believes this familiarity made her more inclined to apply for the role, which she sees as an opportunity to serve the public in a broader capacity.
Econg’s Motivation and Qualifications for the Role
Despite having a 12-year tenure left as Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice, Econg sees the shorter term of seven years in the Ombudsman position as a chance to make a larger impact.
She clarified that the Ombudsman position is of the same rank and salary grade as the Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice, and it is not a demotion. Her desire to serve more people drives her to seek this opportunity.
The Importance of the Ombudsman Role
The Ombudsman position plays a vital role in ensuring justice and combating corruption in the Philippines. The office is tasked with investigating complaints, filing cases, and maintaining accountability within government agencies.
This makes the selection process for the new Ombudsman particularly significant, as it impacts the nation’s efforts to uphold good governance and transparency.
Other Candidates for the Ombudsman Position
In addition to Econg, other prominent figures have applied for the Ombudsman position, including Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The Ombudsman role has become a key position in ensuring justice and tackling corruption, making the selection process highly significant.
Conclusion and Next Steps
With Samuel Martires’ term as Ombudsman ending on July 27, the race for the Ombudsman position is heating up. Econg’s application highlights the important role the office plays in upholding justice in the country, and her application shows her dedication to public service and the fight against corruption.
The next Ombudsman will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the Philippine government.
References:
- Ombudsman position is ‘natural magnet’ for justices —Sandiganbayan chief.
- Sandiganbayan’s Presiding Justice Econg on applying for Ombudsman post: ‘It’s my dream to serve more people’.
Maria Theresa Mondragon, better known online as Antie Marites, is a 33-year-old Filipina content creator who’s turning “chismis” into credible news and meaningful conversation.
With a knack for storytelling and a passion for public service updates, Antie Marites creates relatable, informative, and bite-sized news content for the digital Pinoy. Whether it’s trending headlines, government announcements, or everyday life in the Philippines, she breaks it down in a way that’s clear, fun, and easy to understand—no filter, no fake news.
She’s the tita who sips her kape while scrolling DBM updates and turns it into your next viral TikTok.She’s also your go-to source for “real talk sa real-time news.”
Follow her journey and daily chika on:
📲 Facebook: OMGMarites
📱 TikTok: @omgmarites2025