Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged Filipinos to take a more active role in holding government officials accountable, saying public participation is essential to ensuring transparent and responsible governance.

Remulla made the appeal during a meeting with members of the Filipino community and officials at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., following his participation in the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

He stressed that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility of both government institutions and the public, including Filipinos living abroad.

“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.

The Ombudsman also vowed to pursue individuals who use foreign jurisdictions to conceal illegally acquired wealth.

“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.

Following his participation in the UN conference, Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman remains committed to advancing the principles of SDG 16, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, institutional reforms, stronger international cooperation, and improved access to public services.

He added that the office continues to strengthen its investigative and accountability mechanisms to better serve Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.

“We must be the gold standard for governance and progressiveness. This way, we can respond faster and better,” Remulla said.