Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is calling for a speedy trial and the abolition of special jail cells for public officials charged in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Remulla said he has asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government not to construct or assign special detention facilities for politicians facing charges related to the controversy.
According to Remulla, special jail cells may provide undue comfort to high-profile detainees and potentially delay court proceedings.
“I told DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, don’t put up special jail. Because if there is a special jail the politicians that will be incarcerated will enjoy it and all the cases will be delayed,” he said in his radio program.
He added that suspects detained in regular facilities would be more inclined to expedite their cases.
Remulla said he had previously seen detention quarters for some suspects that were comparable to a “country club.”
“It is not allowed. It shouldn’t happen anymore,” he said.
In earlier high-profile cases, some detainees were held at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center. The facility, however, is set for demolition.
So far, individuals arrested in connection with alleged flood control corruption have been detained at the newly constructed Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory along Payatas Road.
Among them is former Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., whose petition to transfer to the PNP Custodial Center was denied by the Sandiganbayan.