Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Sandiganbayan’s decision to grant bail to former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared to have been “worked on,” but stressed that the move is only a setback in a broader fight against corruption.

Revilla was earlier arrested in connection with an alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Speaking on DZRH’s “Executive Session,” Remulla said he had anticipated the anti-graft court’s decision allowing Revilla to post bail.

“Sa grant of bail, it’s just part of the battle. We are fighting a big war,” Remulla said. “[This is] just one battle. And in that battle, iba yung naging desisyon.”

Remulla added that the outcome should be seen as a reminder of the need for a whole-of-government approach in addressing corruption, noting that the Ombudsman’s role is only one part of the process.

The Ombudsman emphasized that his office has raised its standards before filing cases, ensuring they are evidence-based and not “weaponized.”

“Kami sa Ombudsman, we raise the standard of reasonable certainty of conviction before we file a case. Tinaas na namin ang standard — hindi weaponized ang trabaho namin, it is evidence-based,” he said.

Remulla said the judiciary plays a crucial role in the process and disclosed plans to initiate discussions with the Supreme Court.

“Ngayon hindi lang kami ’yan. The other half of it is the judiciary. I will have a dialogue with it in the Supreme Court very soon,” he said.

He reiterated his observation on the bail ruling, saying there were indications that efforts had been made to secure it, though he did not elaborate.

“Meron talagang mangyayari na mukhang tinatrabaho na magkaroon ng grant of bail. Pero that’s only a battle. We have to win a war as a country,” Remulla said.

He added that the development serves as an “eye-opener” for authorities and the public to intensify efforts in combating corruption nationwide.