Remulla says he won't seek chief justice post

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Thursday he will not apply for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, dismissing reports he was a candidate to replace Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who retires in November. Remulla stated, "I am not applying," during Senate finance committee deliberations on the Office of the Ombudsman's proposed 2027 budget. He said he has no further aspirations, wanting to finish his current term, which runs until 2032. At the hearing, Remulla criticized the Court of Appeals for reversing many Ombudsman dismissal cases, calling it a known trend. He said he raised the issue with Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, acknowledging it is unusual for lawyers to criticize courts.