Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla urged Filipinos to actively participate in holding government officials accountable, declaring that the fight against corruption relies heavily on civic engagement.

Remulla delivered the remarks during a town hall meeting with Filipino community members and diplomats at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, following his participation in the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

He stressed that curbing corruption and fostering transparency is a shared responsibility between government institutions and the public, including overseas Filipinos.

“Tell us what you think. Share your expertise. We need all the help we can get as this is a big task ahead of us — but one we can accomplish together,” Remulla said.

Remulla also warned corrupt public servants that international boundaries would no longer shield them or their assets from state prosecution.

“We are here to make sure the US is no longer a safe haven for ill-gotten wealth from the Philippines. We will do what we can to recover all that has been hidden here in the US,” he said.