Ombudsman
Ombudsman Boying Remulla alleged that Sen. Joel Villanueva's lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, was behind claims that former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara planned to recant his testimony on flood control kickbacks. Remulla suggested this was an attempt to gain leverage in a P150 million graft case. Alcantara's lawyer confirmed no recantation occurred.
Imeripotiwa na AI
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed two sets of cases related to the multibillion-peso flood control scam, but none involve high-ranking officials. This forms part of a thorough investigation under new Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. The cases stem from projects in Oriental Mindoro and Davao Occidental worth over P386 million.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stood by his decision to withdraw and review the Pharmally cases filed at the Sandiganbayan, suggesting they appeared designed to fail. Speaking at the Stratbase Institute’s Pilipinas Conference, he expressed suspicions about the rushed filing of the cases before his appointment. He stated that he could detect something suspicious from afar.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Ombudsman Boying Remulla has launched an investigation into three former undersecretaries for alleged money laundering linked to Department of Public Works and Highways funds. The probe stems from testimony by one of the officials before a Senate committee. Remulla described the scheme as a major offense involving unauthorized transfers of public money.