Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Saturday questioned the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for allowing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to have a personal aide inside the Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

Speaking on DZRH’s Executive Session on Nov. 7, Remulla said there was no justification for allowing a detained individual to have a personal assistant from outside the facility.

“‘Yon nga, nagugulat ako. Wala dahilan ‘yan para payagan ‘yan. Ano yan merong nakakulong na mayaman na may alalay na galing sa labas. Ano ‘yan, mafia? Mahiya naman kayo BJMP,” Remulla said.

He vowed to investigate the arrangement, adding that his office had identified groups allegedly involved in the matter but declined to name them.

“Identified namin anong grupo talaga ‘yan. Ayoko lang banggitin yung mga pangalan. Kilala ko grupo nila. Malalim ‘to,” he said.

Remulla also accused Romualdez of spending public money to undermine the country, saying the former House speaker had been “all out” in his spending.

“Pati ba naman pera ng taumbayan gagamitin para wasakin yung bansa? Winasak mo, wawasakin mo pa. Hindi ba kayo nahihiya?” he said.

The remarks came after Quezon City Jail warden Jail Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion testified before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday that Romualdez was allowed to have a personal staff member assist him inside the detention facility.

Pacion said she approved the arrangement out of “human consideration,” citing her assessment that Romualdez’s mental state was not yet stable and that he needed assistance.

Following the revelation, Remulla announced plans to conduct surprise inspections at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas to ensure compliance with detention rules.

He said the inspections could take place at any time, including early mornings and midnight.

Remulla also acknowledged that his office faces opposition from several groups, including supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte and individuals from within his former ranks.