Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla is set to travel to France to engage local authorities regarding Filipino political figures undergoing criminal charges or investigations who may be seeking refuge in the country.
The crackdown targets former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and Senator Loren Legarda, who are currently believed to be in France.
Co faces a plunder count alongside graft and malversation allegations tied to government flood-control kickbacks, while Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, are under investigation over unfulfilled obligations linked to a 2019 congressional franchise. All accused parties have denied the claims.
During a press briefing, Remulla emphasized his proactive approach to preventing France from becoming a safe haven for questionable funds or individuals evading legal scrutiny:
“Pupunta ko ng France sa ilang mga araw. Kakausapin ko ang French authorities, sapagkat ang France ay hindi dapat maging taguan ng mga mandarambong at ng nakaw na yaman.”
Addresssing concerns that accused figures might use liberal host nations to escape accountability, Remulla noted the intent to restrict their movement internationally:
“Kasi nandun si Zaldy Co ngayon sa France. Nandun siya ngayon. Nandun rin si Loren Legarda. Kaya ito, nagiging trend na baka doon ang nagiging taguan nila, Paliliitin natin ang mundo [nila]…paliliitin natin ‘yan.”
While confirming he has no direct information on whether asylum applications have been submitted, Remulla stated that public sentiment in France would likely reject hosting ill-gotten assets:
“Hindi ko alam kung meron [ng application]. Wala akong information. Pero diyan papunta ‘yan eh. Kasi very liberal states yan. Pero ‘pag nakita nila na magkakaroon sila ng reputation, na taguan ill-gotten wealth, tingin ko aayawan din sila ng mga taumbayan doon.”
Clarifying his diplomatic approach, Remulla added:
“You don’t warn them. But you (myself) will tell them, not that it’s not good to have the reputation of being the hiding place of ill-gotten wealth…the wealth stolen from people who could have used the money to improve the lives of those in need.”