Remulla seeks stricter COC rules

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is pushing for stricter screening of political aspirants, urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to require candidates to declare under oath that they have no conflict of interest as part of their certificate of candidacy (COC).

Speaking on his dzRH radio program on Saturday, Remulla directed the proposal to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, saying the COC should be amended to include a sworn declaration carrying the penalty of disqualification for candidates found to have lied or violated the provision.

“Let’s amend the certificate of candidacy so that it includes a sworn statement declaring that the candidate has no conflict of interest,” Remulla said. “That should become part of the COC. If you make a false declaration, you should be disqualified.”

The proposal comes as the Office of the Ombudsman intensifies its crackdown on public officials who allegedly moonlight as government contractors.

Remulla earlier disclosed that the ombudsman is building cases against several incumbent legislators for allegedly violating Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from having direct or indirect financial interests in government contracts or businesses in which they may intervene in their official capacity.