:Â House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has questioned whether House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil is shielding certain legislators under investigation for alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Speaking at the Prospects of the Philippines 2026 forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Remulla disclosed that anti-graft investigators reported difficulties in obtaining copies of the statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) of lawmakers being probed.
According to him, Garafil’s office insisted that the release of the documents must first be approved by the House plenary.
“I do not understand why they have to stonewall or give us a hard time with that because sooner or later, they will have to give it to us. But if their thought is to delay the process, I think they are mistaken,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman noted that Garafil previously worked for some of the individuals now facing investigation, raising concerns about a possible conflict of interest.
“Probably there’s conflict of interest. The Secretary General now used to work for some of the people we are investigating, that’s why we are harboring suspicions that they may be protecting people, and I don’t want to believe it,” he added.
Remulla stressed the urgency of the matter, urging cooperation from the House leadership. He said he would send a formal letter to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III to address the issue.
As of press time, Garafil has not issued a response to Remulla’s remarks. (ZIA LUNA)
