MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman is raising concerns over what it describes as procedural obstacles in its efforts to obtain the financial disclosure records of lawmakers linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said investigators were informed that access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of certain House members now requires approval from the full House of Representatives, a requirement he questioned.
Remulla said he plans to formally seek clarification from Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III regarding the process for releasing the documents, which are considered key evidence in the ongoing probe into the alleged misuse of public funds.
“Lately, our teams are having a hard time getting the SALNs of congressmen we are investigating… I’ve been told that it has to pass through plenary for them to release a SALN, and I don’t buy that excuse,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman added that delays in document access are slowing down the investigation and raised concerns that the situation could undermine public trust in the process.
“I do not understand why they stonewall or give us a hard time,” Remulla said.
He also pointed to possible conflicts of interest within the Office of the House Secretary General, noting that some personnel previously worked for individuals now under investigation.
“We’re just harboring suspicions that they may be protecting people, and I don’t want to believe it. Hopefully, they stop doing that because this is a very urgent matter for the country,” Remulla said.
The investigation is part of a broader inquiry into alleged large-scale corruption in flood control projects, which the Ombudsman’s office has described as one of its most serious ongoing cases./PN
