Ombudsman ends ‘half-baked’ filings for swifter anti-graft trials

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Sunday that all cases filed by his office in connection with floodgate project anomalies are backed by “complete evidence” to ensure they withstand continuous trials and avoid dismissals.

Speaking during his weekly radio program, Remulla said he is implementing a policy where charges are brought to court only when fully supported by proof. The move aims to prevent “inordinate delay,” a legal ground often used to dismiss cases that linger too long in the judicial system.

“All the cases are being studied continuously and one by one will be filed when it is ready,” Remulla said. “The philosophy they are following is to build a strong case that will stand in a continuous trial so all are in order.”

Remulla criticized past practices where “half-baked” cases were filed despite gaps in evidence. He noted that such deficiencies caused trials to drag on, ultimately leading to their dismissal.

The Ombudsman said he is working to shift the mindset of prosecutors to mirror the standards he set during his previous tenure as justice secretary. He underscored the high stakes of graft and corruption cases, warning that failing to secure convictions emboldens corrupt officials.

“If there will be no one incarcerated in that case, thieves will grow in number,” Remulla said.

The Office of the Ombudsman has so far filed three sets of cases related to alleged flood control project anomalies. These include charges against former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. and six Department of Public Works and Highways personnel in Bulacan.

Other filings involve former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co, contractor Sarah Discaya, and several other DPWH officials.