Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Dante Vargas was appointed by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr as the acting ombudsman in replacement to Samuel Martinez.

The Public Information and Media Relations Bureau confirmed Vargas’ appointment which took effect immediately.

Vargas was appointed as replacement of Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo, who had been serving as acting Ombudsman.

As Mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution,Vargas’ duty is to have an independent monitoring of the three Branches of the Government namely; Executive, Legislative and Judiciary which will serve as the Nation’s check and balance.

The Ombudsman is tasked to investigate on its own or upon complaints, This will be in any manner, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations.