Ombudsman Crispin Remulla on Friday laid out an expansive roster of investigations and imminent charges against sitting legislators and former Cabinet officials, signaling what he described as an “uncompromising” pursuit of accountability across government.
At a press briefing, Remulla confirmed that Cristy Angeles of Tarlac’s 2nd District and Jojo Ang of Uswag Ilonggo are under preliminary investigation.
A case against Edwin Gardiola of Construction Workers Solidarity is expected to be filed within a week.
He disclosed that Robin Padilla has ignored an Ombudsman order to submit a counter-affidavit in an obstruction of justice complaint, while Mao Aplasca was granted an extension to file his.
On possible charges against Alan Peter Cayetano, Remulla dismissed claims of minority targeting: “No such thing, that’s just the way it is.”
The Ombudsman also criticized legislators who were once contractors, saying: “As if conflict of interest didn’t exist… mali, mahalay ‘di ba?”
Remulla revealed that plunder charges against House Speaker Martin Romualdez are “very close” to being filed.
Former budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman remains “in the universe” of Ombudsman scrutiny, while complaints against ex-health secretary Ted Herbosa are still under evaluation.
While cases being built against Senators Chiz Escudero and Joel Villanueva continue, and files on the 2019 SEA Games will be reopened.
Remulla’s briefing underscored the breadth of the Ombudsman’s docket, spanning corruption, obstruction, and conflict-of-interest complaints. “We’re very close,” he said of major filings, adding that the office’s mandate is to pursue accountability “without fear or favor.” # (ZIA LUNA)
