15 vie for Luzon ombudsman post

MANILA, Philippines — A mix of incumbent government officials, trial judges and lawyers will contend for the post of deputy ombudsman for Luzon.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has posted on social media that 15 personalities are being considered for the position.

The list includes Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Anna Liza Logan, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan and Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty of the Department of Justice (DOJ), and Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary for integrated operations Rodolfo John Robert Palattao IV.

Aside from them, the nominees include regional trial court Judges Richard Balucio of Laoag City, Joeven Dellosa of Mandaluyong, Francisco Felizmenio of Malolos in Bulacan, Rafael Hipolito of Quezon City and Dennis Mendoza of Manila.

Judges Paul Beloso of the Batangas municipal circuit trial court and Jason Rodenas of the Albay municipal trial court are also in the JBC list.

DOJ prosecutor Cathy Cardino, Ryan Medrano of the Office of the Ombudsman, and lawyers Ilya Kristine Ravanera and Teofilo Gala Tamolang Jr. are also being considered for the post.

The JBC will interview the candidates on Sept. 1 and 2, and urged the public to scrutinize the nominees by filing sworn documents or filling out an online survey.

The chosen candidate will replace Deputy Ombudsman Cornelio Somido, whose term will end on Aug. 27.