Ombudsman Remulla sets France trip, says it should not be haven for ill-gotten wealth

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is scheduled to go to France to warn local authorities there against providing sanctuary for personalities facing criminal cases or investigations in the country such as former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list and Senator Loren Legarda.

“Pupunta ko ng France sa ilang mga araw. Kakausapin ko ang French authorities, sapagkat ang France ay hindi dapat maging taguan ng mga mandarambong at ng nakaw na yaman,” Remulla said at a press conference.

(I will go to France in the next few days. I will talk to French authorities. Because France should not be a safe haven for plunders and ill-gotten wealth.)

“Kasi nandun si Zaldy Co ngayon sa France. Nandun siya ngayon. Nandun rin si Loren Legarda. Kaya ito, nagiging trend na baka doon ang nagiging taguan nila, Paliliitin natin ang mundo [nila]...paliliitin natin ‘yan,” Romualdez added.

(Because Zaldy Co is there. He is there right now. Loren Legarda is there. This is becoming a trend that the country is being used as a safe haven. We'll make their worlds smaller.)

Co is facing one count of plunder and multiple malversation and graft cases in connection with his alleged involvement in the kickback scheme using the government’s flood control projects.

Legarda, on the other hand, is being investigated alongside his son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, over the alleged failure of Leviste's solar firm to deliver its obligations under its 2019 congressional franchise.

Co, Legarda and Leviste has since denied the allegations against them.

Asked if these individuals already applied for asylum, Remulla said he has yet to have such information.

Still, Remulla said the Ombudsman will deploy a proactive approach.

“Hindi ko alam kung meron [ng application]. Wala akong information. Pero diyan papunta ‘yan eh. Kasi very liberal states yan. Pero ‘pag nakita nila na magkakaroon sila ng reputation, na taguan ill-gotten wealth, tingin ko aayawan din sila ng mga taumbayan doon,” Remulla said.

(I don't have information on that but that is coming given that these are liberal states. But if they saw that they will have a reputation of a depository for ill-gotten wealth, they will be turned down.)

Asked if he will be out to warn the French authorities, Remulla replied “You don’t warn them. But you (myself) will them, not that it’s not good to have the reputation of being the hiding place of ill-gotten wealth…the wealth stolen from people who could have used the money to improve the lives of those in need.” — RSJ, GMA News