The Office of the Ombudsman has reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, stressing that it will continue to act independently and follow the evidence wherever it leads.
In an official statement issued following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Ombudsman acknowledged the president's report on the status of the flood control investigations and welcomed his assurance that the anti-graft office has been allowed to perform its constitutional mandate without political interference.
"We are likewise grateful that this office has been left free to carry out its constitutional mandate and to follow the evidence wherever it leads, including to those closest to the president himself," the Ombudsman said.
The Office emphasized that accountability must be guided solely by evidence and the rule of law, declaring, "This is how accountability is meant to function: no favor asked, none given."
It added that it would continue pressing forward "steadily, fairly and without fear or favor, for as long as the evidence and the law will allow."
The statement came after President Marcos disclosed during his SONA that, according to the Ombudsman, multiple criminal cases are expected to be filed soon against former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez in connection with the government's flood control investigations.
The president acknowledged that the development was personally difficult, saying it involved a close family member, but insisted that public accountability must prevail.
"Masakit sa akin ito pero kailangan natin itong gawin. Hindi ako pangulo ng aking pamilya," Marcos said, underscoring that no individual should be exempt from investigation because of personal ties.
The President's remarks form part of the administration's broader anti-corruption drive targeting alleged anomalies in flood control projects, which have already led to the filing of cases against several contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and other public officials.
The Ombudsman's latest statement reinforces its position that all investigations will proceed based on evidence, regardless of the status or relationships of those involved.
