Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla revealed that his office has received reports indicating that the government may have lost around ₱600 billion worth of cases filed before the anti-graft body due to “inordinate delay” — a situation he described as “very alarming.”
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Remulla said the Ombudsman’s office is currently verifying the accuracy of these reports.
“This figure is very alarming, and we are now in the process of confirming the data,” Remulla said, adding that such losses underscore the urgent need for procedural reforms within the country’s justice system.
Earlier, Remulla noted that the Sandiganbayan is drafting new rules and procedures aimed at speeding up the resolution and filing of graft and corruption cases, particularly as investigations into the controversial flood control projects continue.
The Office of the Ombudsman recently received six cases related to flood control projects — five in Bulacan and one in Oriental Mindoro.
Remulla confirmed that preliminary investigations for these cases will begin next week, with the filing of formal charges before the Sandiganbayan expected by next month.
He added that the investigation process will be completed within 60 days, a significant reduction from the usual one-year timeline.