Ombudsman Boying Remulla marked the 38th anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Tuesday, May 12, by framing the agency’s anti-corruption efforts as a beacon of hope for the Filipino people.
Speaking during the milestone celebration, Remulla highlighted the OMB’s pivotal role in addressing public concerns, including the ongoing scrutiny of alleged anomalous flood control projects.
He emphasized that the agency’s work is vital to maintaining the nation’s democratic health.
“At syempre, sa ikamumulat ng taong bayan na may pag-asa pa ang republika ng bayan. May pag-asa pa ang ating bansa.”
Remulla noted that the past year has been a testament to the anti-graft body’s influence on national stability, citing the period from the previous State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the present as a critical era for the institution.
He reminded staff that working for the OMB requires a focus on the broader national interest rather than narrow perspectives.
“Hindi ka pwede rito na ganun lang ang pananaw mo, parang nakablinders ka. Dapat dito ang tinitingnan natin yung kabutihan ng ating bansa.”
In a call to action for his personnel, Remulla described their duties as a sacred trust that directly impacts the future of the Philippines.
He urged employees to remain steadfast in their commitment to public service without hesitation.
“Basta mahalaga ginagawa natin ang trabaho natin. Malinis ang ating konsensya na ang binabayad sa atin ng taumbayan ay sulit na sulit at hindi tayo nagdadalawang isip sa pagharap ng ating tungkulin.”
The anniversary event was also notable for the presence of former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Carandang, who recently returned to the fold following a Supreme Court decision that voided his dismissal under the previous administration.