Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Tuesday, August 25, said Davao City could be considered the “epicenter” of alleged flood control corruption before the Marcos administration, as the Office of the Ombudsman continues to investigate suspected irregularities in government-funded flood control projects.

Remulla made the statement during the House Committee on Appropriations’ deliberations on the proposed ₱7.062-billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for fiscal year 2027.

He said the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are still gathering and evaluating evidence related to the alleged irregularities.

“Ang epicenter po ng flood control bago dumating ang Marcos Administration ay Davao City. Ang ecosystem of corruption po mabigat. Mahirap pong pasukin. Mahirap pong kumuha ng impormasyon. Marami hong taong hindi nagsasalita pero hindi ko kami tumitigil,” Remulla said.

He further explained that Davao City is among the areas being closely examined because of the volume of funds that allegedly went into flood control projects.

“Davao po iyong ecosystem na aming tinutukoy dahil doon po ang maraming pondo na pumasok daw sa flood control. ’Yan po ang aming kinakalap nang husto,” Remulla added.

Remulla stressed that the Ombudsman is still studying the evidence and gathering information before drawing conclusions regarding the alleged corruption.

The Ombudsman chief’s remarks came as lawmakers reviewed the agency’s proposed budget for 2027, with the hearing led by House Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing.

The alleged irregularities in flood control projects have been under scrutiny as authorities investigate the use of public funds and possible corruption within the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Remulla said the Ombudsman would continue pursuing information despite difficulties in accessing records and obtaining statements from individuals who may have knowledge of the alleged irregularities.