MANILA – Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly denied any discussions or negotiations with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada or his representatives regarding the plunder and graft cases stemming from alleged irregularities in flood control projects, stressing that the cases will be decided solely on the strength of the evidence.
The denial came amid claims by Estrada that several individuals had allegedly approached him concerning his legal troubles, including suggestions that his cases could be influenced through political channels.
Speaking on his radio program, Remulla categorically dismissed any notion of backchannel communications involving the Office of the Ombudsman.
“May mga sinabi kasi si Senator Jinggoy Estrada na marami raw kumakausap sa kaniya tungkol sa mga kaso. Ang sasabihin ko lang sa mga kung sino man ang mga, merong kumakausap, hindi ho ako nakikipag-usap kahit kanino tungkol sa ganiyang bagay,” Remulla said.
He emphasized that the anti-graft body’s actions are guided strictly by evidence and not by political considerations or private assurances.
“Kung ano ang ebidensiya, ‘yun po ang aming susundin. Kung ano ang ebidensiya, we will follow the evidence. Walang puwedeng mangako,” Remulla added.
The Ombudsman also rejected any suggestion that his office could be used as a political tool.
“Kasi ayaw nating ma-weaponize ‘yung opisina na aking pinangungunahan. We cannot weaponize it. Hindi po ito puwedeng maging sandata ng politika,” he said.
Remulla further warned Estrada against listening to individuals claiming they could influence the outcome of the proceedings.
“Hindi dapat makikinig sa ganiyang mga bilin sapagkat hindi po kami nakikipag-usap sa ganiyang bagay,” he said.
The statement follows an earlier clarification by Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, who likewise denied allegations that the P573-million plunder and graft charges filed against Estrada and four co-accused were politically motivated.
Clavano was responding to Estrada’s claim that he had allegedly been encouraged to leave the Senate majority bloc in exchange for the dismissal of the cases against him.
Estrada is facing plunder and graft complaints linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects. His legal team has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the plunder case and two graft charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
However, the anti-graft court has already denied one of Estrada’s motions seeking the dismissal of the graft complaints, allowing the proceedings to move forward.
Authorities have maintained that the cases will be resolved through the judicial process based on the evidence presented before the court./PN
