New Ombudsman’s early priorities: speed, accountability, and reform
Newly sworn Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has laid out an ambitious initial agenda focused on accelerating case processing, expanding investigations into high-profile corruption concerns, and strengthening the Ombudsman’s institutional capacity. Speaking to reporters after he took his oath, Remulla outlined a plan to clear the backlog that has long beleaguered the Office of the Ombudsman and to implement policies designed to move cases through the system with greater efficiency.
“We have to look at the pending cases and determine how the system is running,” Remulla said, signaling that efficiency improvements would be the cornerstone of his leadership. He added that he would establish concrete policies to ensure that cases advance toward resolution rather than stagnate in bureaucratic limbo.
Priorities: DPWH anomalies and the Pharmally issue
Remulla identified alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as an “emergency situation,” promising a robust case-building approach to ensure well-prepared filings before Sandiganbayan and regional trial courts. He stressed that evidence must be complete before the filing and that trials should proceed without avoidable delays. The plan includes collaborating with the judiciary for continuous trial processes to minimize adjournments and back-and-forth in the court system.
On the Pharmally deal—an issue that arose from pandemic-era supply contracts scrutinized by the Senate—Remulla indicated a willingness to revisit the matter. He noted that public perception held that wrongdoing occurred and that these cases should not fade from attention. The timing and scope of any renewed probe would depend on the evidence that emerges as investigations resume.
Accountability from the top: potential reach and data transparency
When pressed about whether the investigations might extend to former President Rodrigo Duterte, Remulla said the pursuit would be guided strictly by the evidence. “It can go as high as the evidence takes us,” he said, emphasizing that responsibility hinges on proof rather than political considerations.
Remulla also addressed requests regarding the President’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and SALNs. He pledged to disclose SALNs with appropriate redactions and privacy safeguards, while requiring requestors to provide undertakings to prevent misuse of the information. He framed information as power, paired with responsibility, promising a careful balance between transparency and privacy in line with protecting individual data.
Strengthening the Ombudsman’s capacity and protecting witnesses
Among his institutional reform proposals is the creation of an “Ombudsman Marshal” unit modeled after the Supreme Court’s Judiciary Marshals. This unit would protect witnesses and safeguard case documents, addressing a critical weakness often cited by reform advocates: the risk of lost or compromised evidence. Remulla argued that strong protective measures are essential for credible prosecutions and for maintaining public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
Continuing investigations and accountability across agencies
Remulla confirmed that investigations into large-scale projects—such as the ₱1-trillion flood control initiatives that have drawn scrutiny for ghost projects—will continue without special treatment for any individual. “The concern is the case, not the person,” he asserted, underscoring a commitment to equal application of the law regardless of rank or affiliation. He signaled a broader program to tighten accountability among regulatory bodies and to enhance public utilities oversight, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including victims of online exploitation.
Message to public servants: a standard of integrity
In his closing remarks, Remulla warned corrupt officials that the Ombudsman would operate under a renewed standard of accountability. He promised a rigorous process of taking testimony, collecting evidence, and prosecuting those who abuse public trust. Even as he acknowledged ongoing political dynamics, he stressed his commitment to legal rigor and institutional reform for the Filipino people.
As Remulla charts a course for a more responsive and responsible Ombudsman’s office, observers will be watching to see how his promises translate into faster case dispositions, stronger prosecution of alleged corruption, and stronger safeguards that protect witnesses and the integrity of evidence.
Looking ahead
Remulla indicated he has not yet discussed a potential successor for the Department of Justice but suggested conversations would occur soon. For now, the focus remains on building a more efficient, transparent, and prosecutorially effective Office of the Ombudsman.
