Malacañang's appointment of Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman had both well-wishers and naysayers in the House of Representatives.

There were more of the former, as expected, since the 300-plus strong chamber remained largely pro-admiinistration.

"I add my congratulations to the many Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla has received today on his new appointment," Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. said in a statement Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 7 shortly after the Palace's announcement.

Garbin pointed to Remulla's admirable tenure as Department of Justice (DOJ) as reason to celebrate the latter's new appointment.

"As Justice secretary, Remulla served the country with exemplary distinction. He infused energy and meticulousness into how the DOJ did its work to pursue justice for Filipinos," he said.

"Not even health issues could stop him because even from the hospital, he was running the department. He chose his team well because it ran efficiently while he was recovering. As soon as he was well enough, he returned to the DOJ with even more fighting spirit," noted Garbin.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon also welcomed Remulla's designation as the new "tanodbayan" in a separate statement Tuesday.

"His appointment is an important addition to the country’s accountability mechanisms, particularly in bringing to justice the perpetrators of corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects — whoever they may be, and whenever these acts may have been committed," Ridon said of Remulla.

"Ombudsman Remulla is empowered to initiate both administrative and criminal proceedings against all individuals found liable for the plunder of public funds — including DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials, legislators, executive officials, and government contractors.

"Similar to our cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the House Infrastructure Committee will also work with Ombudsman Remulla and transmit all transcripts, documents, and other relevant evidence arising from our previous proceedings," said Ridon, chairman of infra comm.

In a joint statement, the so-called "Young Guns" bloc composed of Deputy Speakers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun; Manila 1st district Rep. Ernesto "Ernix" Dionisio; 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also hailed Remulla's "very deserving" appointment as Ombudsman.

"We strongly believe that he embodies the Bagong Pilipinas ideals of transparency and the rule of law, as the government intensifies efforts to purge entrenched malfeasance," they said.

"We echo the statement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that under Remulla’s leadership, 'There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,'" the bloc said.

"His extensive background as a legislator, Cavite governor, and litigator has cemented his standing for principled leadership," they added.

Meanwhile, Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, an independent House member and an administration critic gave a sarcastic take on the development.

"It makes sense [to make Remulla the new Ombudsman]… sa dami ng problema ng mga nakaupo ngayon, kailangan nila ng lahat ng tulong na makuha nila para mapagtakpan sila (with all the problems being faced by those in power, they need all the help they can get to launch a cover-up)...even at the cost of making a mockery of our Constitution… God bless the Philippines!" Duterte said.

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, a member of the minority, undercored Tuesday that the Ombudsman must be "loyal to the people, not to the one who appointed him".

"This remains to be seen with the newly appointed Ombudsman Boying Remulla, who must prove his independence. Protektahan niya ang sambayanan, hindi ang kanyang kaanak at kaalyado sa politika (He must protect his countrymen, not his relatives or political allies)," said De Lima.

"Ngayong meron na tayong Ombudsman, dapat bilisan na ang imbestigasyon at paghahain ng mga kaso hindi lang sa maanomalyang flood control projects, kundi pati na ang iba pang talamak na katiwalian, pandarambong at sabwatan sa pamahalaan," she said.

(Now that we have an Ombudsman, investigations and the filing of cases should be expedited—not only for anomalous flood control projects, but also for other rampant corruption, plunder, and collusion within the government.)

De Lima is also a former DOJ secretary.