THE PRESTIGE and guaranteed seven-year, non-reappointed term are what attracts candidates for the position of Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon, which would be vacated by Deputy Ombudsman Cornelio Somido, whose term expires on August 27.
The Judicial and Bar Council, which is screening the 15 candidates, posted in social media that 15 personalities are being considered for the position. They are a mix of incumbent government officials, trial judges and lawyers.
They include: Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Anna Liza Gonzalez- 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.
Logan,52, is a lawyer who served as chief Presidential Legal Counsel since December 16, 2025 replacing the late Juan Ponce Enrile.
Other nominees are: RTC Judges Richard Balucio of Laoag City, Joeven Dellosa of Mandaluyong, Francisco Felizmenio of Malolos, Bulacan, Rafael Hipolito of Quezon City and Dennis Mendoza of Manila. Also, Judges Paul Beloso of the Batangas municipal circuit trial court and Jason Rodenas of the Albay municipal trial court are 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 Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon serves a fixed seven year term without reappointment, as mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Clerk of Court and JBC Ex-Officio Secretary Marife Lomibao-Cuevas said in an announcement that those who applied for the position will succeed Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Cornelio Somido, the Philippine Star reported.
Cuevas said the public may submit before the JBC a sworn complaint, report, or opposition against any of the candidates.
The organizational structure of the Deputy Ombudsman’s office includes: Overall Deputy Ombudsman; Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon; Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas; Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao; Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO).
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.