Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Thursday said his office will not provide specific timelines for the ongoing investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal, amid public skepticism over promises to jail the “big fishes.”
“I don’t want to mention any more names muna. Let’s just lay off the names. Kasi it’s misinterpreted and some people want to push the issue more and try to put a date. I won’t do that. Tapos na tayo roon. I think we’ve learned a lesson from that. We cannot give any dates and any commitment about anything,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
Remulla had previously vowed to jail top figures in the scam before the end of last year.
So far, several contractors, including controversial government contractor Sarah Discaya, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel have been detained for graft and malversation linked to anomalous flood control projects. Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, the alleged mastermind, remains at large.
The Ombudsman also said he is unaware of supposed filings against Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on January 15, as previously mentioned by Senator Imee Marcos.
“Buti siya alam niya, ako di ko alam ‘yun…ewan ko saan nanggagaling ‘yun,” he said.
Remulla confirmed that the DOJ’s preliminary investigation into the cases of Villanueva, Estrada, and Revilla is ongoing, with another senator’s case expected to begin soon.
“Things are moving. We are hiring people…the work is continuing on a daily basis and we intend to keep it that way for the next seven years,” he added.