Cebu biz leaders welcome Ombudsman’s anti-corruption consultation drive

Cebu business groups welcomed direct consultations initiated by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, expressing optimism that closer public-private engagement will streamline government processes, combat corruption, and strengthen investor confidence.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Regan Rex King praised the dialogue, noting that regular engagement between the Ombudsman, the Anti-Red Tape Authority and local commercial chambers would help rebuild public trust and address regulatory bottlenecks.

“It is not impossible to talk to government if you are willing to talk to government. And maybe the time is right for you to probably know that our office is there to help business,” Remulla said.

“As long as there is a problem with governance, we want to know so we know how to make a system work,” he added.

A central element of the discussions was the proposed Investment Ombudsman Program, a framework designed to establish mechanisms for addressing corruption-related grievances affecting business owners and investors.

Remulla stressed that economic progress depends on a stable business environment, announcing plans to convene a Philippine Regulatory Summit in 2027 to advance institutional cooperation and regulatory reforms.

“We cannot be just all prosecution, be angry every day, all the time,” Remulla said. “The investment window of our country has to be fully open, and we are telling you we will help those who want to invest in the country.”