Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has firmly denied allegations that the Office of the Ombudsman is involved in political negotiations, following claims by Senator Jinggoy Estrada that individuals tried to broker a deal regarding his pending court cases.
In a radio interview, Remulla clarified that his office remains independent and does not engage in backroom settlements or political compromises.
“May mga sinabi kasi si Senator Jinggoy Estrada na marami daw kumakausap sa kanya tungkol sa mga kaso. Ang sasabihin ko lang sa mga kung sino man ang merong kumakausap, hindi ho ako nakikipag-usap kahit kanino tungkol sa ganyang bagay,” Remulla said.
He emphasized that judicial proceedings under his jurisdiction rely strictly on legal merits and verifiable facts.
“Kasi kung ano ang ebidensya, ‘yan po ang aming susundin…We will follow the evidence. Walang pwedeng mangako,” he added.
The statement came after Estrada surrendered to the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday, June 1. His surrender followed a second arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan over a non-bailable plunder charge linked to an ongoing flood control project scandal.
During a press conference held shortly before his arrest, Estrada claimed he was repeatedly pressured to abandon the Senate’s independent majority bloc in exchange for the dismissal of his legal charges.
“Ngayon ko lang po isasapubliko ito. Maraming beses po akong inalok na talikuran ang independent majority bloc kapalit ang pagbabasura sa aking kaso. Ngunit, hindi ko po ito tinanggap. Mas nanaig ang paninindigan ko na ako ay manatili sa hanay ng mga kasamahan ko sa independent majority bloc,” Estrada said.
The lawmaker, however, refused to name the specific individuals who approached him.
“Kung tatanungin niyo kung sino sila, abangan niyo na lang ang susunod na kabanata,” he added.