Incoming Ombudsman Remulla: Expect swift action on flood control probe

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured Tuesday that he would lead swift action on matters related to the investigation on the flood control corruption scandal once he assumes his post as the new Ombudsman.

The outgoing Justice chief made the remark when asked by reporters about what the public can expect from him regarding the flood control projects probe following his appointment as Ombudsman by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"Sa rules ng Ombusdman, may fact-finding. Iva-validate namin lahat ng data na isa-submit. 'Yung mga finile na ng ICI, 'yung ifa-file ng DOJ (Department of Justice) na with regards to those... Salary Grade 27 and above," Remulla said, referring to Marcos-created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

(Under the rules of the Ombudsman, there is a fact-finding process. We will validate all the data submitted. Those already filed by the ICI, and those to be filed by the DOJ, will be in relation to individuals with Salary Grade 27 and above.)

The independent commission has already recommended the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over their alleged links to the P289.5- million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The Ombudsman is also investigating Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana over his alleged link to anomalous flood control projects.

"Maaasahan na gagalaw 'yan nang mabilis. At susubukan nating pabilisin ang proseso. Kasi nga, hindi naman ito lihim na sa atin. Alam na natin ang nangyari kaya bibilisan natin nang kaunti ito," Remulla said.

(We can expect that it will move quickly. And we will try to speed up the process. Because, as we know, this is no secret to us. We already know what happened, so we will hasten it a bit.)

Remulla was named Tuesday as the new Ombudsman, a day after the shortlist for the position was released by the Judicial and Bar Council. 

EXPLAINER: What are the powers of the Ombudsman?

He will replace former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27. He will serve a fixed term of seven years without reappointment.

Complaints vs. Sara

Remulla, meanwhile, said the Ombudsman will study the complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential funds under her leadership, amounting to P500 million in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P112.5 million in the Department of Education (DepEd) from 2022 to 2024.

"Bubuklatin natin. Pag-aaralan at tatanungin natin 'yung mga may hawak na ngayon, mga may hawak at 'yung may tungkulin na hawakan 'yung mga kasong iyon," he said.

(We will open it up. We will study it and ask those who are currently handling it, those who have custody and are responsible for managing those cases.)

The complaint stemmed from the recommendation of the House committee on good governance and public accountability to file charges against her.

In June, the Ombudsman directed Duterte and nine officials from the DepEd and the OVP to respond to the charges.

She has filed her counter-affidavit answering the allegations.

To recall, Senator Imee Marcos, the President's sister, claimed that Remulla was being pushed into the Ombudsman post in order to jail Vice President Sara Duterte and her allies by 2028. — VDV, GMA Integrated News