OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced that the Office of the Ombudsman is in the process of developing cases against a number of high-profile officials, including Senator Francis Escudero and former Senator Nancy Binay, in connection with the flood control controversy.
Remulla’s announcement comes in response to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) recommendation to conduct case build-ups against Escudero, Binay, Senator Mark Villar, and former Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares “because of the gravity of the allegations.”
“We are doing the case build-up, we’re doing preliminary work, we are doing everything that needs to be done,” Remulla stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. He refrained from providing specific details about Escudero’s case, citing concerns that it could prejudice the investigation. Regarding Binay, Remulla said the evidence his office has received on her alleged involvement in the flood control scandal is still undergoing “evaluation and case build-up.”
Remulla emphasized that the Ombudsman is taking a careful and deliberate approach, prioritizing thoroughness over speed. “A case might get filed hastily and then dismissed later; it’s like creating your anti-virus,” he explained, highlighting the importance of building strong, defensible cases.
He confirmed that the Ombudsman has received evidence related to the flood control controversy during Villar’s time as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary and as a legislator. Remulla said around eight teams are already working on the cases, with more expected to be organized in the coming year.
The ICI’s referrals were based on affidavits and testimonies given by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged corruption in infrastructure deals on September 25.
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