Ombudsman says INC backing gives Duterte forces a foothold

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the ongoing Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally appears to be where Duterte forces have found an ally. In an interview with Christian Esguerra on “Fact’s First,” Remulla said he believes Duterte’s goal is to destabilize the current administration, nothing more, nothing less.

“The Duterte forces are looking for a tipping point. They found an ally in the Iglesia ni Cristo, and their goal here is to bring down the government. That’s what I'm seeing. Nothing more, nothing less,” Remulla said in Filipino in a video aired Sunday.

He clarified that he respects freedom of expression but emphasized that the rule of law must always be followed.

“Freedom of expression, we respect that, but it should conform to the law. What keeps us as a country is the rule of law,” Remulla said.

On the idea of a “tipping point” for Duterte forces, the Ombudsman noted that the country is currently divided, with no majority pushing for drastic change.

“Our country is divided in the middle right now, and there is no majority asking for any drastic change. People are very cautious,” Remulla said.

He reiterated that democratic processes, including impeachment filings, should be properly followed. The Ombudsman added that while the process is ongoing, it is not instant, noting that the first case is expected to reach the Sandiganbayan by Tuesday at the latest.

The case involves alleged anomalies in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, implicating former Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and Sunwest Construction.

Remulla said the Ombudsman’s office is applying a “prima facie” approach in these cases to speed up trials and decisions.

“We’re not doing probable cause here, it’s prima facie already. Once it’s laid out, we can proceed with a continuous trial so decisions can be made quickly and not take forever,” he said in Filipino.

The Ombudsman cited the Priority Development Assistance Fund cases, which took years before decisions were reached, stressing that the flood control cases should move faster.

Remulla also said he has coordinated with Supreme Court officials, including the Chief Justice, to streamline hearings and ensure fair and speedy trials.

“I spoke with them. I went to the Supreme Court to discuss the process so that the judiciary and prosecution sides can engage in fair hearings quickly,” he shared.