Ombudsman urges public vigilance on flood control judicial proceedings

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the Filipino people to scrutinize court proceedings, particularly in the trial of graft and corruption cases involving flood control projects, saying corruption in the country is systemic and involves multiple institutions, including the judiciary.

Remulla cited the Sandiganbayan rulings on pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams where the number of convictions is dismal.

“May problem tayo sa judiciary. That’s one of the biggest problems in the Philippines. People should be more aware, watch what the judiciary is doing,” he said on his radio program “Executive Session.”

“Corruption is one package, and includes the judiciary,” he added.

He noted there had been fewer convictions than acquittals in pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams. However, he cannot accept that all cases filed by the special prosecutor were incomplete or defective.

“These were presented properly. Maybe some of the cases were weak, but many had strong cases but still were acquitted,” Remulla said.

The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing a compendium of all the cases involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund and fertilizer fund scams so the public could take a look at how the cases proceeded.

“We will show how these progressed, what happened… and whether they were acquitted or convicted at the Sandiganbayan, we will identify the division and its members and how they voted,” he said.

He cited the acquittal of Ramon Revilla Jr. in his pork barrel case, wherein the former senator, while cleared of criminal liability, was held solidarily and jointly liable with his co-accused for the return of P124.5 million in public funds to the government in the civil aspect of the case.

Remulla said his office will check if the sum has been returned.