Boying pushes preventive anti-corruption interventions

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Monday urged justice and law enforcement agencies to identify weaknesses that allow corruption, rather than wait for public funds to be stolen before acting.

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding under the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, Remulla said agencies should strengthen safeguards and address systemic problems that create opportunities for wrongdoing.

“Corruption does not break within the boundaries of a single government agency. Neither should our response,” he said, adding that coordination among justice institutions could help address procedural bottlenecks, improve information-sharing and strengthen efforts to combat corruption.

He called on participating agencies to translate the agreement into specific programs, defined responsibilities and measurable results. “I do not want these memoranda of understanding to become mere documents that we sign before we act alone,” he said.

Remulla also stressed that cooperation should not compromise the independence of the agencies involved. The Office of the Ombudsman, he said, would continue to exercise its constitutional mandate independently.

He said the partnership should be judged by its results, including whether it prevents corruption and speeds up the delivery of justice.

“The people are not interested in having meetings, legal documents or opinions inside. They want corruption prevented. They want all to be punished. They want justice delivered without unnecessary delay. And above all, they want a government they can trust,” Remulla said.