Claim: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is the new Ombudsman, replacing Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: A YouTube video by the channel “News Update Files” bears the claim in its title and thumbnail. It was posted on November 20 and has garnered more than 23,000 views and 130 comments as of writing, with most commenters expressing gratitude for the news and offering congratulations.
In its thumbnail, the video shows a photo of Cayetano supposedly being sworn in as the new Ombudsman, with the text “New Ombudsman! Cayetano nanumpa na (sworn in)?”
Meanwhile, the channel states in its video description that it delivers “clarity, insight, and visual storytelling,” aiming to “inform, inspire, and keep every Filipino updated.”
The facts: Remulla currently serves as Ombudsman, following his official appointment announced on October 7 by the government and reputable media outlets. He was sworn in on October 9. Remulla will serve for a term of seven years or until 2032.
Remulla succeeded Duterte appointee former ombudsman Samuel Martires, who retired in July. Before being appointed to the post, Remulla was the chief of the Department of Justice.
Meanwhile, Cayetano is currently the Senate Minority Leader in the 20th Congress.
No evidence: Despite the video’s bold title, its narrator never mentioned the claim anywhere in the 45-minute video, nor does it offer any evidence to back up the claim.
This is a common tactic employed by content creators who use attention-grabbing, clickbait titles to increase their views and engagement. The YouTube channel that posted the misleading video also has other videos using such language.
The part of the video that makes reference to Remulla appears at the three-minute mark, where the narrator challenged Remulla’s claim of having allegedly seen a copy of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Senator Bato dela Rosa.
New Ombudsman: As Ombudsman, Remulla’s role is to exercise wide investigative and special prosecutorial powers to act upon complaints against erring public officials. (WATCH: What are the ombudsman’s powers?)
Remulla’s appointment came at a time when the government is in the middle of a crackdown against corruption in flood control projects. Since being sworn into office, Remulla has announced plans to form a task force investigating flood control projects allegedly linked to the Villars and to reinvestigate the war on drugs. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: Ombudsman Boying Remulla on leading the corruption crackdown)
He has also reversed his predecessor’s order that limited access to public officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. – Princess Leah Sagaad/Rappler.com
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