Defense lawyer Atty. Jose “Judd” Roy II on Monday expressed serious concern over the actions of the Office of the Ombudsman, particularly in its handling of alleged corruption cases linked to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Roy criticized statements attributed to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla suggesting that court decisions may have been “worked on,” warning that such remarks could be interpreted as implying judicial corruption.

Roy said the rhetoric is dangerous and could erode public trust in the independence of the judiciary.

“May sinabi si Ombudsman na parang tinatrabaho daw yung korte. Hindi ko alam kung ano ibig niya sabihin pero ang dinig ko doon parang ang lumalabas nasusuhulan yung korte,” Roy said.

“Dapat siguro hindi ganun yung mga pahayag ng Ombudsman. Ito’y isang independyenteng office atsaka mataas ang katungkulan,” he added.

He also questioned Remulla’s reported plan to raise the matter with the chief justice, saying such a move could further fuel perceptions of interference.

The lawyer further criticized the Ombudsman’s approach to potential state witnesses, including former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoa, citing what he described as conditional treatment depending on whether testimonies would support the case against Romualdez.

“Halimbawa doon sa punto na kukunin niya si Bonoan na state witness, ang sinasabi kapag hindi nagustuhan yung testimonya na ibibigay ni Bonoan labay kay Romualdez ibabalik siya sa kaso, kapag nagustuhan ko ilalabas ko,” Roy said.

Roy also cited the handling of affidavits involving a group of Marines, claiming inconsistencies in how statements were treated. He noted that while some affidavits were dismissed as false, certain individuals were later taken in as witnesses.

He added that allegations involving other public officials were allegedly excluded from newer affidavits tied to the case against Romualdez, raising questions about selectivity.

Roy said the timing of developments in the case was also questionable, pointing out that the announcement of a preliminary investigation came shortly before the President’s State of the Nation Address, despite the issue having been under review for months.

“Kahina-hinala itong pinapakita ng Ombudsman,” he said.

Roy, who said he had previously been a subject of an Ombudsman case, warned that unchecked authority in the office could lead to abuse.

“Pag ‘yan talaga hindi niyo sinita, madaling maabuso ang kapangyarihan niyan,” he said.

The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to respond to the remarks as of press time.

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