New Ombudsman Remulla: Officials in flood control mess will be held liable

Incoming Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday expressed confidence that officials involved in flood control corruption will be held liable.

“Sigurado 'yan. Kagaya nitong flood control ghost project, open and shut case 'yan. Hindi rocket science 'yan. Pwede talagang panagutin lahat ng involved dyan,” Remulla told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(That's for sure. Like this flood control ghost project, it's an open and shut case. It's not rocket science. We can really hold everyone involved accountable.)

“Ang problema lang diyan, how far up the food chain do you go? Hanggang saan tayo merong ebidensya? 'Yan ang ating pinag-aaralan ngayon,” he added.

(The only problem is, how far up the food chain do you go? How far up the food chain do we have evidence? That's what we're studying now.)

Remulla said the Office of Ombudsman will launch motu proprio investigation into the issue, tapping the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police. 

He said he cannot tell when these officials involved in flood control corruption will be convicted. However, he said that with continuous trials, this may happen in three to four months.

“Hihingi tayo ng continuous trial sa korte. At makikipag-dialogue ako sa judiciary tungkol dito para lang naman ang rules of the game malinaw. Ang dapat iwasan dito ang dilatory tactics ng mga defense counsel, usually,” he said.

(We will ask for a continuous trial in the court. And I will engage in dialogue with the judiciary about this just so that the rules of the game are clear. What should be avoided here is the dilatory tactics of defense counsel, usually.)

“Gusto namin patapusin kaagad ang pag-present ng evidence at i-rest 'yung case ng prosecution as soon as possible. Kaya dapat dito puro continuous trial. Kapag ganyan, may mako-convict na tayo in three to four months’ time,” he added.

(We want to finish presenting evidence immediately and rest the prosecution’s case as soon as possible. So this should be a continuous trial. If that’s the case, we can convict someone in three to four months’ time.)

Pharmally

Remulla said that as the next Ombudsman, he will also review the case involving Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

“Nag-briefing na ako kahapon ng ilang kaso sa Ombudsman. Isa 'yan sa aking ipasisilip muli. At iyan, malamang, ibibigay ko sa ibang team kasi parang natulog nang matagal iyan,” he said.

(Yesterday, I had a briefing on some cases at the Ombudsman. That is one of the cases I will review. I will probably give it to another team because it seems like it's been dormant for a long time.)

Meanwhile, Remulla said he will give recommendations to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his possible replacement as DOJ chief.

“Pag-uusapan pa namin ng Pangulo 'yan. Meron akong mga rekomendasyon pero siyempre depende pa rin yan sa Pangulo natin,” he said.

(The President and I will discuss that. I have recommendations but of course that still depends on our President.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News