Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla revealed that he is planning an official visit to France between late October and mid-November to coordinate with European authorities regarding overseas Filipinos facing legal charges.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, September 11, Remulla outlined his agenda for the trip, which involves discussions with European law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, and international partners.
“Ang agenda namin kasi dyan, that’s one FATF (Financial Action Task Force), the Ministry of Justice of France,” he stated.
“Then probably Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization). We will also touch base with them on this matter,” he added.
Remulla emphasized that his delegation also intends to hold discussions with European Union (EU) officials to address systemic cross-border issues concerning fugitives and illicit wealth.
“‘Yung EU because we don’t want Europe to be a money laundering center kasi if they’re not welcome in France, isang car ride lang ‘yan, nasa kabilang bansa na naman ‘yan,” he noted regarding fugitives attempting to evade justice.
“So we also have to talk to the EU. Para wag sila maging taguan ng nakaw na yaman,” he added.
To bolster coordination on financial crimes, the Ombudsman stated he intends to have representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) join the meetings with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The announced trip follows Remulla’s earlier statements that he plans to confer with French officials concerning high-profile personalities currently in France who are subject to ongoing investigations, including former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and Senator Loren Legarda.
Co faces multiple charges tied to his former role as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations regarding an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Meanwhile, Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, are undergoing preliminary investigation over alleged graft and plunder charges involving ₱10 billion in “ghost” solar power projects.
Defending his decision to disclose the upcoming journey publicly, the Ombudsman maintained that European authorities need to be informed directly about the Philippine government’s official concerns.