Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla on Monday said 39 cases linked to the flood control scandal have been filed before the courts, including 35 before the Sandiganbayan and four before regional trial courts (RTCs).
In his first annual report on Oct. 12, Remulla said more cases remain under preliminary investigation and lifestyle checks.
“39 flood control cases are before the courts, 35 in the Sandiganbayan, 4 in the regional trial courts. Many more are under preliminary investigation and lifestyle checks,” Remulla said.
A total of 52 individuals are facing charges in connection with the scandal, including a sitting senator, a former senator, four members of the House of Representatives, a former House speaker, a former Cabinet secretary, 33 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel, eight contractors and other private individuals.
Among those named by Remulla were former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Sen. Bong Revilla.
The Ombudsman said some of the accused are already in jail, while others remain at large.
“May mga nakakulong na at may mga pinaghahanap pa,” he added.
With the cases now before the courts, Remulla said his office had completed the most difficult part of the process — building the cases — and that the next stage would depend on the judiciary.
“Nasa korte na ang mga kaso and we have done the hardest part, building them. The rest of the chapter belongs to the courts,” he said.
Remulla expressed hope that the courts would remain “impartial, independent and responsive to the times,“ in accordance with the Constitution.
He also urged the judiciary to interpret the law in a way that holds those responsible for plunder accountable rather than shielding them from prosecution.
Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman follows a three-step process in building cases to ensure that the evidence is sufficient to withstand judicial scrutiny.
The process begins with gathering contracts, audit reports and other documents to trace the flow of public funds. Investigators then present the collected evidence to complainants and hear their side before proceeding with the filing of charges once the evidence is deemed sufficient.
“Kapag matibay ang ebidensya, saka tayo nagsasampa ng kaso sa korte,” Remulla said.
He stressed that the process allows no shortcuts or exemptions.
“Tatlong hakbang, walang shortcut, walang exemption,” he said.
