Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Saturday that his office is facing difficulty serving subpoenas to the Senate in connection with its investigation into a shooting incident inside the chamber this week, as it also moves to compel the submission of security footage.
Speaking on DZRH’s “Executive Session”, Remulla said that process servers from his office were refused entry or acceptance of documents at the Senate despite prior notice related to a suspension order and ongoing fact-finding measures.
“Nagkakaproblema ah, yung aming process server, ayaw na naman tanggapin sa Senate pero may notice na,” Remulla said, adding that Senate officials were already informed of the legal actions.
He cited comments attributed to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who allegedly suggested that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag should also face charges, arguing this indicated awareness of the Ombudsman’s actions even if the Senate declined to formally receive the documents.
“Hindi ko sila maintindihan, kasi sa akin considered served na ’yan kahit hindi nila tinanggap,” Remulla said.
When asked if the subpoena process was being rejected, Remulla confirmed that Senate personnel had declined to receive the documents.
He also stressed that the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, who oversees chamber security, is not exempt from law enforcement processes.
“Sergeant-at-Arms 'yan, security guard ng Senate 'yan, in the end ang trabaho niyan is to secure the Senate and to make sure that the rules are followed,” he said.
“Nobody is above the law, kahit nagtatrabaho ka sa Senado," he added.
Remulla warned that ignoring directives from law enforcement agencies such as the NBI could undermine the rule of law.
“Kapag pinayagan natin na ganyan-ganyan na na lang babalewalain nila ang NBI, babalewalain nila ang police hindi pwede yan, anong klaseng bansa tayo kung ganon?” he said.
The Ombudsman earlier said it is directing Senate authorities to submit CCTV footage of the Wednesday night shooting inside the chamber as part of its ongoing investigation into the incident and related security lapses. Senate officials have not yet publicly confirmed compliance with the request.
