MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has criticized politicians who frequently switch political allegiances based on the sitting president, while announcing the creation of a dedicated “Investment Ombudsman” to protect businesses from extortion.
Speaking on the country’s political culture, Remulla emphasized the need to strengthen institutions over political personalities.
“Ako talaga, ang tingin ko sa Pilipinas, we have to shift to a completely representative democracy. We create cult figures, and we create people that we look up to, na ina-idolize natin blindly. In the end, tao lang ‘yan eh. It is the institution that needs to be stronger. Kailangan lakasan na natin yung institution,” Remulla said.
Remulla argued that political parties need to be stronger and condemned the practice of party-switching, despite his own past affiliations with parties such as Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino, the Nacionalista Party, and Lakas-CMD.
“Dapat lumakas yung parties. Tsaka bawal yung balimbing dapat. Kung yan ang party mo, diyan ka na dapat,” he added.
Referring to current political shifts, he noted:
“With due respect lang, may Partido Federal ngayon, mga member diyan, mga dating Liberal Party, dating Lakas… lumipat-lipat na sila ng partido tuwing kung sino man ang presidenta, kakampihan nila. Mali.”
In addition to political reforms, Remulla suggested that the minimum qualifications for presidential candidates should be raised to require at least a high school education.
During a town hall dialogue with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Remulla also unveiled a major policy shift aimed at insulating the business community from extortion.
He announced the establishment of a permanent “Investment Ombudsman” to serve as a single window for commercial graft complaints, breaking the cycle of bribery required to keep businesses operational.
Furthermore, he mentioned that his office will ramp up lifestyle checks on officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).