Malacañang has named Special Prosecutor and former Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo as the acting Ombudsman, following the mandatory retirement of Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Sunday, July 28.
Punzalan-Castillo, a seasoned jurist with decades of experience in the judiciary and public prosecution, will temporarily head the Office of the Ombudsman, the country’s primary anti-corruption agency, until a permanent appointment is made.
Her designation comes as the administration underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance under the Bagong Pilipinas framework.
As acting Ombudsman, Punzalan-Castillo is expected to oversee ongoing investigations and prosecutions of public officials accused of graft and corruption, and ensure continuity in the agency’s operations amid the leadership transition.
Martires, a former Supreme Court Associate Justice, served as Ombudsman from 2018 until his retirement at age 70. His tenure was marked by a controversial but steadfast interpretation of the Ombudsman’s constitutional independence and a firm stance on shielding public officials from undue harassment.
Punzalan-Castillo’s background in both the judiciary and prosecution is seen by observers as a strong foundation for maintaining the integrity and independence of the Ombudsman’s office during this interim period.