Malacañang questioned the basis of Senator Imee Marcos’ for blocking the possible appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as Ombudsman, saying that delivering justice is meant to serve the nation, not a select few.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the presidential sister declared she would block Remulla’s appointment as Ombudsman because this was part of a supposed plan to jail Vice President Sara Duterte before the 2028 elections.

In a press briefing on Monday, Sept. 3, Castro said Marcos’ remark raises more questions than answers.

“Unang-una, ano po ba yung nais niya ipahiwatig? Pagbibigay ng hustisya sa bayan o pagpoprotekta sa kaibigan? (First of all, what is she trying to imply? That justice should be given to the people or that friends should be protected?),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer pointed out that the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body mandated to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing in government, regardless of political affiliations.

“Hindi po ba mas nararapat po na maging independent ang magiging Ombudsman dahil independent constitutional body naman ito at kinakailangan na magsampa ng kaso kung nararapat? (Is it not more proper that the Ombudsman remain independent since it is an independent constitutional body that must file cases when warranted?),” she said.

Castro stressed that fear of prosecution should not arise if there are no offenses committed, regardless of whether those involved are the Dutertes or their allies.

“At hindi dapat katakutan kung wala naman magiging talagang kasalanan ng mga Duterte na siyang kinatatakutan niya (There is nothing to fear if there is no wrongdoing by the Dutertes, which she seems worried about),” she said.

“Eh, hindi naman po ibig sabihin nito ay hindi dapat sinasampahan ng kaso dahil kaya naman nila ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili (It does not mean that cases should not be filed; they can defend themselves if necessary),” she added.

The Palace official likewise said that blocking an appointment on the grounds of possible cases against political allies undermines the independence required of the Ombudsman.

“So ano po ba ang hinaharang dito ni Sen. Imee? Ang maitatalagang Ombudsman na dapat ay hindi kakantiin ang mga kaibigan? (So what exactly is Senator Imee blocking here? An Ombudsman who should avoid touching her friends?),” she asked.

When asked about the President’s response to his sister’s remark, Castro said he would not speak ill of her publicly.

“Alam naman natin ang Pangulo pagdating kay Sen. Imee, kapatid niya naman po yan, ay hindi siya nagsasabi ng negatibo (We know that when it comes to Senator Imee, since she is his sister, the President does not make negative comments),” she said.