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Ombudsman calls for judiciary overhaul to fix slow justice system

The country's Ombudsman has urged the judiciary to conduct deep introspection and submit itself to government scrutiny to tackle persistent problems plaguing the justice system. The call came during budget hearings for the Office of the Ombudsman.

LSN Philippines · 3 September 2026

MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has pressed the judiciary to undertake "soul-searching" and undergo close examination by government agencies to address chronic issues affecting the country's justice delivery system.

Remulla made the remarks during a Senate committee on finance hearing on Thursday while presenting the Office of the Ombudsman's proposed 2027 budget. His comments underscored growing concerns about the sluggish pace of court proceedings and systemic inefficiencies that have long plagued the Philippines' legal institutions.

The Ombudsman's statement reflects broader frustrations with the judiciary's capacity to process cases expeditiously and administer justice effectively. The sentiments align with ongoing calls from various sectors for comprehensive reforms to address bottlenecks and improve case resolution timelines.

Remulla's appeal suggests the need for coordinated action across government branches to modernize judicial processes and strengthen institutional performance. The remarks signal expectations that the judiciary will take proactive steps to diagnose underlying problems and implement meaningful solutions to restore public confidence in the justice system.