President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo as officer-in-charge of the Office of the Ombudsman, following the retirement of Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
In a report by RH Leth Narciso, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the appointment on Monday morning, July 28, in a message to reporters.
Castillo took her oath of office before Bersamin at Malacañang earlier in the day.
Castillo, who previously served as the Presiding Justice of the CA and is currently an Ombudsman special prosecutor, will temporarily lead the Office of the Ombudsman as its officer-in-charge.
Her temporary appointment comes after Martires completed his seven-year term and officially stepped down from office on Sunday, July 28.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is still screening 17 applicants for the permanent post. Interviews are scheduled to begin after President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Once completed, the JBC will submit a shortlist of nominees to the President for consideration.
