Remulla warns conflicted pols

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla called for an en d to conflicts of interest by urging public officials to separate business interests from public office, stressing that the office is conducting ongoing investigations into politicians suspected of violating anti-graft and corrupt practices.

“This conflict of interest, let us stop this. Let us set a standard in our country of decency. Let us at least be decent people. That is enough”, he said in his Saturday radio session.

“Go into business if you want, or go into politics,” the Ombudsman pointed out, urging politicians to choose only one between business and public service to avoid conflicts of interest.

Remulla earlier said that the Office of the Ombudsman is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged conflict of interest involving some members of the House of the Representatives.

“People are gaining the courage to have construction companies while they are congressmen.”

“But not only that. Even mayors — everyone who has a conflict of interest — is being investigated by us now,” the Ombudsman revealed.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently announced that two congressmen allegedly violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Lawmakers investigated by the anti-graft body include Tarlac Third District Representative Noel Rivera and Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative Jojo Ang, following allegations of beneficial ownership in construction companies that guarantee government contracts.