Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla on Saturday clarified that the Office of the Ombudsman is continuing its investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects and is now validating findings from a partial Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report, as it prepares possible charges in multiple cases.
Speaking on DZRH’s “Executive Session," Remulla said the Senate report would be used to strengthen ongoing fact-finding work rather than serve as a basis for immediate prosecution.
“Meron kasi kaming ongoing na investigations sa flood control. Ang estimate ko sa investigations natin [is] 35 to 45 investigations na current, ongoing yan,” Remulla said.
“Tinaas natin ang standard; hindi natin wine-weaponize ang office. We’re trying to cull in, bring in the evidence needed to charge people kung kinakailangan, case buildup talaga.”
He said the Fact-Finding Investigation Office remains the “most important phase” of the probe, adding that investigators are still determining whether cases should proceed to formal charges.
Remulla said the Senate findings would be “very useful” and would supplement evidence-gathering on individuals allegedly involved in irregular projects.
“We need to validate it,” he said.
He also said several cases are expected to be filed by September, including those related to flood control projects and possible conflicts of interest.
“Centralized sa akin ang subpoena. Aakuhin ko lahat ng subpoena na yan para walang masabi sa opisina natin na meron tayong ginagatasan diyan, hindi pwede satin 'yan," he stated.
Asked about a small committee of senators from both the majority and minority blocs, Remulla said investigators are already aware of their involvement.
Remulla also confirmed that a second draft complaint is being prepared in connection with a conspiracy to commit plunder case, following an initial 61-page draft.
“We’re working on the second draft complaint already, sa conspiracy for plunder, ginagawa na namin yan. Ang first draft namin 61 pages. Basta ’yan, iniimbestigahan," Remulla explained.
The Ombudsman added that more cases are expected to be filed and charged by September.
Remulla did not directly confirm specific targets of the complaint, but earlier reports and hearings have included allegations involving senior officials, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in connection with the widening probe.
“It’s about time that as a country, we face [the] reality that we need to fix the system,” he said.
