Newly inaugurated Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said on Monday that unarraigned cases related to the multi-million peso Pharmally scandal were ordered to be withdrawn from the Sandiganbayan.

According to Remulla, he wants the anti-graft court to have a clear grasp of the cases and emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing their details.

“Details are actually very important to these cases. I want the Sandiganbayan to have a good grasp of the cases immediately during the start of my term here,” Remulla said.

The Ombudsman said he intends to reevaluate the cases, noting that some details appear to be lacking. He explained that his goal is to prepare the cases for a continuous and delay-free trial once refiled.

“What I really want here is for the case to proceed without delays,” Remulla said in Filipino.

“What should happen is, when you file the case, it is complete already and the prosecution team is ready,” he added.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which investigated the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. deal between August 2021 and January 2022, found that the firm won an ₱11.5-billion government contract to supply medical goods during the Covid-19 pandemic despite having only ₱625,000 in paid-up capital. The Senate committee report was not signed at the time due to insufficient votes from senators.

Former Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, who chaired the committee, had said that former President Rodrigo Duterte was among those who should be investigated in connection with the Pharmally transactions.

Remulla said he intends to invite Gordon to provide his insights on the findings.

“I want to summon Senator Gordon regarding this matter, so that he can present his opinion on the findings of what is not yet an official or complete committee report,” Remulla said.

The Ombudsman added that new individuals — including possibly former President Duterte — could face charges depending on the results of the ongoing review and evidence gathered.