Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla raised concerns over the reported continued presence of suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca within the Senate premises, questioning whether his preventive suspension is being enforced.
Speaking during DZRH’s Executive Session on Saturday, May 30, Remulla said he had already sent two letters to incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano seeking clarification and compliance regarding Aplasca’s status.
“Naka-dalawang sulat na ako kay SP Alan Cayetano tungkol dyan. Yung first letter is asking to submit for compliance, kung ano ang ginawang action,” Remulla said.
Remulla noted that despite the suspension order, Aplasca was still seen inside the Senate and even granted interviews, prompting questions about whether the directive was being disregarded.
“Noong nakita ko si Aplasca naglalakad pa din and nagpapainterview sa loob ng Senado, maybe the order is being disregarded by the Senate President,” he said.
The ombudsman described the matter as a potential constitutional issue and warned that authorities would pursue it if necessary.
“So we will confront this issue. Constitutional issue ‘yan and I don’t know if he wants it to be a staring contest, but we have to respect the law, we have to respect the Constitution,” Remulla said.
He emphasized that preventively suspended officials should no longer perform government functions or receive compensation from public funds.
“Kung gusto niyo hong alagaan ‘yan, use your private funds. He should be off the payroll now because he is preventively suspended. Tsaka kung gusto niyo bigyan ng trabaho, make it private. Wala ho sa government,” he added.
Remulla also said that the Ombudsman has the authority to subpoena documents, including payroll records, to verify compliance.
“Oo, pwede yon,” he said when asked if the Senate could be compelled to submit Aplasca’s payroll details.
On May 15, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension without pay against Aplasca pending investigation into a controversial shooting incident at the Senate on May 13.
