Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla warned that corruption in the judiciary is just as severe as in the executive and legislative branches.
Speaking on his radio show, Remulla recalled the ₱723 million fertilizer fund scam, where former Agriculture Undersecretary Joc-joc Bolante was acquitted of plunder charges.
“‘Yung Sandiganbayan ang galing din mag-acquit, ano? Lahat ng dahilan para mag-acquit, meron ang Sandiganbayan,” he said.
He added that lawyers lobby cases within the judiciary.
“(May mga) abogado na gumagapang. Kaya nga ‘yung corruption sa atin, huwag ninyong sasabihing sa executive lang ’yan o legislative. Matindi ho ‘yung judiciary. Matindi ho ’yan. Panoorin n’yo lahat ng judges. Panoorin n’yo ‘yung mga justices. Panoorin natin,” Remulla stressed.
The Ombudsman also cited Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) cases, noting several acquittals, including last October when the Sandiganbayan cleared Juan Ponce Enrile, Gigi Reyes, and Janet Lim-Napoles of 15 graft charges.
“‘Yung PDAF, huling-huli ’yun. Huwag mong sasabihin na mahina ang Ombudsman sa ebidensiya,” Remulla said.