Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has criticized the Office of the Ombudsman for its handling of a high-profile complaint filed by Senator Imee Marcos against several government officials involved in the March arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The controversy revolves around the Ombudsman’s decision to bypass the usual fact-finding phase of the investigation.
In an interview Wednesday, Remulla questioned the procedural change, noting that established protocols seemed to have been set aside.
“Before, there were clear rules, published procedures that included a fact-finding phase. Now it seems they’re skipping that step entirely,” Remulla said.
He clarified, however, that he was not suggesting any wrongdoing.
The secretary reiterated that the Department of
Justice would thoroughly address all the allegations, emphasizing that all actions taken during Duterte’s arrest were done according to law.
“We will respond to every issue raised,” Remulla said in another interview on Thursday. “Everything was done according to law and proper procedure.”
He also expressed confusion over the timing of the complaints, particularly why they didn’t wait for the official committee report.
“What was released was merely the chairman’s report, which seems unusual. Nevertheless, we will provide our complete response,” he said.
Remulla suggested that political motivations might be at play, implying the allegations were timed to influence the upcoming elections.
“Once the elections pass, this should naturally conclude. It appears some parties simply want to keep this in the public eye during the campaign period,” he said.
Earlier, the Ombudsman formally required several high-ranking officials to submit counter-affidavits in response to Senator Marcos’s complaint.
Among those ordered to respond were Remulla, his younger brother Interior Secretary Jonvi Remulla, Philippine National Police Chief P/Gen. Rommel Marbil, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director P/Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao.
Marcos accused the officials of multiple violations, including usurpation of judicial functions, arbitrary detention, and providing false testimony in connection with Duterte’s arrest, which she claimed lacked legal justification.
The March arrest, stemming from investigations into Duterte’s alleged instigation of extrajudicial killings during his presidency, has become a contentious issue in Philippine politics.
Senator Marcos has been vocal in her criticism, asserting that the arrest was politically motivated and lacked appropriate judicial oversight. Her complaint seeks full accountability from the officials involved.
The officials named in the complaint have been given 10 days to submit their counter-affidavits. Should the Ombudsman find sufficient grounds, it may recommend criminal or administrative charges against them.