A photo of Ombudsman Crispin “Boying” Remulla holding his mobile phone on his first day as the successor to lawyer Samuel Martires caught the attention of Filipinos.
Social media users noticed that the former justice secretary was holding what appeared to be Apple’s latest iPhone variant, even though it has yet to be released in the Philippines on Friday, October 17.
The latest iPhone variant features a horizontal camera bar, the innovative Center Stage front camera and the newest iOS 26 software, along with a design overhaul called “Liquid Glass,” among other upgrades.
Remulla was spotted holding an iPhone 17 in photos from his first day as Ombudsman, which were posted by a news outlet on Facebook on October 10, seven days before the official release of the phone variant in the Philippines.
This detail did not go unnoticed by Filipinos, who zoomed in on the photo and quickly shared it across social media.
“Naol [Sana all] nauna sa 17 pro max,” former Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon said. Her post has garnered 47,000 likes and reactions, 3,900 comments and 1,400 shares so far.
Another X (formerly Twitter) user also shared a zoomed-in photo of Remulla with the caption: “‘yung officemate mong lowkey mag-flex ng new phone”
yung officemate mong lowkey mag flex ng new phone pic.twitter.com/i2i8kWqyGa
— kabulastugan (@kblstgn) October 12, 2025
The post has so far amassed 3,500 likes, 299 reposts and 20 comments.
“Ahahaha, sana all upgraded na,” an online user commented.
“Bilis makabili ah,” another said.
“Me in the nearest future…” a different Pinoy wrote.
“Wow, updated si ser sa latest,” another commented.
Last month, an authorized Apple reseller reminded iPhone fans to purchase the latest variant through authorized merchants for their “peace of mind.”
“This ensures your unit comes with a full official warranty and genuine after-sales service,” The Loop PH said before.
Last July, a photo of a seller offering iPhone 17 cases went viral among Filipinos.
Some theorized that phone case manufacturers are given a sample so they can produce cases in advance and sell them as people anticipate the new phone.
RELATED: Authorized reseller issues reminder to buyers of Apple’s latest iPhone | ‘Di pa released’: Pic of iPhone 17 cases being sold sparks buzz among Pinoys
Meanwhile, Remulla was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Martires’ successor on October 7.
As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently.
ALSO READ: Who is the new Ombudsman? A look at Remulla’s track record
