Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla challenged the European Union’s stance on human rights, warning that it should not serve as a haven for “white-collar criminals” or allow stolen wealth to be hidden in its member states.
Remulla is set to visit the EU office in The Hague to press for tighter monitoring of former senator Loren Legarda, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, and ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who are reportedly in Europe. He will also meet with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris, citing reports that the three politicians are hiding assets in France.
Since the Philippines has no extradition treaty with France, Ombudsman Remulla said the government will turn to the Financial Action Task Force to enforce global anti‑money laundering standards. At the same time, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is heading to Interpol’s Lyon headquarters to press for the reissuance of Red Notice against Co.
Legarda and Leviste left the country on separate flights on August 2, days after the Ombudsman announced a probe into possible plunder and graft charges tied to Leviste’s solar power contracts.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin disclosed during a budget hearing that only ₱80 million has been collected from the ₱24 billion penalty imposed on Leviste’s firm, Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc., for failing to deliver electricity under more than 30 government contracts.
The Department of Energy has filed criminal charges with the DOJ and a civil case with the OSG to recover the full ₱24 billion. # (ZIA LUNA)
