Ombudsman Remulla asks for more patience amid probe of flood control mess

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday appealed to the public for more patience amid the government’s ongoing investigations of anomalies in flood control projects across the country.

Remulla made the remarks in response to reports that weekly protests will be held to demand for accountability against those tagged in the corruption scandal.

“I will just ask for more patience. Kasi proseso po sinusunod natin. Kasi pag tayo po yung naka-violate yung karapatan ng tao, meron tayong maano dyan, baka lalo tayong malintikan. Dapat dito ay tamang proseso…” he said in a press briefing. 

(I will just ask for more patience. Because we are following a process. Because if we violate the rights of people, something might go wrong, we might get into more trouble. The correct process must be followed here…) 

“Hindi lang flood control yan, marami ho naging raket na dapat tingan natin. And I intend to be hands-on in these things. Kaya ang hinihingi ko sa taong bayan, sa ating mga kababayan – just be patient. Kami po ay nagmamadali, kami po ay hindi patulog-tulog.” 

(This is not just for just flood control, there are many rackets that we must look into. And I intend to be hands-on in these things. That is why I am asking the public, our fellow countrymen – just be patient. We are in a hurry, we are not sleeping on the job.) 

Rallies have been staged in parts of the country as people call for action and accountability in anomalous flood control projects, with several public officials and construction firms implicated in the controversy.

After the massive Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests, the Trillion Peso March movement said it will hold weekly protests every Friday beginning Oct. 10, that will lead to another bigger protest on Nov. 30. 

Earlier, Remulla said the government is eyeing at least one state witness involved in alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

He added that cases are expected to be filed against those tagged in the flood control mess by November.

On Monday, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure said it is targeting to file 15 to 20 cases against individuals allegedly involved in the irregularities.

ICI special adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the ICI will conduct a technical evaluation of 421 suspected ghost flood control projects and then launch a case buildup. The cases will be then referred to the Ombudsman for the filing of appropriate charges. — JMA, GMA Integrated News