Nelson Morales

Rep. Duterte sees 'sense' in Remulla’s appointment to Ombudsman post

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte said he sees “sense” in the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to the Ombudsman post, claiming that those in power “need all the help they can get” to “cover up” for them. &quot;It makes sense… sa dami ng problema ng mga nakaupo ngayon, kailangan nila ng lahat ng tulong na makuha nila para mapagtakpan sila…. even at the cost of making a mockery of our Constitution… God bless the Philippines!&quot;  Duterte said in a statement.But House Infrastructure Committee Co-Chairperson Terry Ridon welcomed the appointment of Remulla as the new Ombudsman, saying it is an “important addition” in efforts to hold accountable the officials involved in alleged corruption in flood control projects.“His appointment is an important addition to the country’s accountability mechanisms, particularly in bringing to justice the perpetrators of corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects — whoever they may be, and whenever these acts may have been committed,” Ridon said in a statement.“Ombudsman Remulla is empowered to initiate both administrative and criminal proceedings against all individuals found liable for the plunder of public funds — including DPWH officials, legislators, executive officials, and government contractors,” he added.Ridon gave assurances that the House Infra Comm will work with Ombudsman Remulla and transmit all transcripts, documents, and other relevant evidence gathered by the joint House panel.<div>GOING AFTER VP? </div>Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos said Remulla might priorize cases against Vice President Sara Duterte.  “Sigurado ako,” she said.  “Mukhang plantsadong-plantsado na. Kung hindi makakalusot yung impeachment, nako ha, yang plan B, derecho na tayo sa plan C. Plantsado na ang lahat,” Sen. Marcos said. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro rejected the insinuation that Remulla would go after Duterte.“Ang pagiging at pagtatalaga sa kaniya bilang Ombudsman ay dapat magkaroon ng transparency at managot ang dapat managot kung may dapat managot,” she said.“Ang Ombudsman ay para sa lahat, hindi para sa iisang direktiba lang ng isang grupo,” she said.<div>“VERY SMALL SHOES TO FILL”</div>Akbayan Party List Representative Percival Cendaña, for his part, believes Remulla has “very small shoes to fill” as Ombudsman.“Incoming Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla will have very small shoes to fill and a very low bar to clear. The previous Ombudsman became a barrier to transparency and accountability of public officials,” he said.“I urge the new Ombudsman to immediately make SALNs of government officials accessible to the public, and begin the process of filing criminal cases against those involved in the massive flood control corruption,” Cendaña added.Remulla earlier promised to overturn the memorandum circular issued by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires on limited access to officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), saying this should be more accessible to the public. But he said this should not be used for blackmail or vilification.Under the circular, only the public official who filed the document, their representative, courts which issued a lawful order, and the Ombudsman’s field investigation units are able to access SALNs.For ML Party List Representative Leila de Lima, Remulla should prove his independence by filing complaints against alleged corrupt officials, regardless of their ties or affiliation.“Now more than ever, we need a true Tanodbayan—an Ombudsman who is loyal to the people, not to the one who appointed him. This remains to be seen with the newly appointed Ombudsman Boying Remulla, who must prove his independence,” she said.“Protektahan nya ang sambayanan, hindi ang kanyang kaanak at kaalyado sa politika. Ngayong meron na tayong Ombudsman, dapat bilisan na ang imbestigasyon at paghahain ng mga kaso hindi lang sa maanomalyang flood control projects, kundi pati na ang iba pang talamak na katiwalian, pandarambong at sabwatan sa pamahalaan. Kung sino man ang tatamaan sa imbestigasyon ng kanyang tanggapan, lahat dapat kasuhan at panagutin. Wala siyang dapat sinuhin, wala siyang dapat santuhin. Pakinggan nya ang sigaw ng taumbayang galit na galit na sa katiwalian,” De Lima added.<div>— With reports from Victoria Tulad and Katrina Domingo, ABS-CBN News</div><div> </div>

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte said he sees “sense” in the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to the Ombudsman post, claiming that those in power “need all the help they can get” to “cover up” for them.

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte said he sees “sense” in the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to the Ombudsman post, claiming that those in power “need all the help they can get” to “cover up” for them.