Remulla: Judiciary needs ‘soul-searching’

MANILA, Philippines —  Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday urged the judiciary to undertake “soul-searching” as he lamented the dismissal of corruption cases filed before the courts.

During the briefing of the proposed P7.232-billion Office of the Ombudsman budget for 2027, Remulla told senators that “the judiciary has to be examined closely by everybody.”

“They themselves should go soul-searching, so we can be a better country,” Remulla said.

He lamented that there were corruption cases filed before the Sandiganbayan that had been pending for 15 years, resulting in their dismissal for inordinate delay. He also cited the reversal of case decisions by the Court of Appeals, which Remulla said “came out of nowhere” and is “discouraging” to investigators.

He said he discussed this “worrying trend” with Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

Not aspiring for CJ

Remulla also dismissed reports that he was among those aspiring to become the chief justice when Alexander Gesmundo retires in November.

“I have no more aspirations, this is the job I want to be able to finish,” Remulla said, telling reporters that he is “not applying” for the SC post.

Remulla was appointed ombudsman in October 2025 and will serve until 2032.

He stressed that eliminating corruption can help the government reduce poverty by ensuring there are more funds to help vulnerable sectors.

Senators have assured Remulla that they would augment the ombudsman’s budget to help with its anticorruption mandate, as he defended the request for P51.47 million in confidential funds.

Sen. JV Ejercito said that while his committee cannot promise to restore the ombudsman’s originally proposed P148 million confidential funds, “we might add a little, especially after hearing what programs and investigations could be affected.” –  Daphne Galvez