Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said several former and sitting senators, former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and a businessman are expected to receive warrants of arrest before Christmas.
In an interview with journalist Christian Esguerra on November 16, Remulla listed the individuals based on affidavits submitted to his office.
“Napirmahan na ni Usec. [Roberto] Bernardo ‘yong kaniyang affidavit kaya ‘yong mga nabanggit doon,” Remulla said, naming “Bong Revilla, Nancy Binay, Joel Villanueva (sa affidavit ni Henry Alcantara), Jinggoy Estrada,” and added that “Si Sonny Angara [ay] bagong pasok lang, iimbestigahan pa namin.”
He further noted: “Saka si Grace Poe, iimbestigahan din natin.”
Remulla stressed that political friendship will not affect the Ombudsman’s work.
“Wala tayong aatrasan diyan… Kung sinong dalhin ng ebidensya, ilatag natin sa harap ng husgado,” he said. “Mga kaibigan ko ‘yan… pero sa akin, trabaho ko ito e.”
He confirmed that Co is already facing a case and will likely receive a warrant alongside the others.
“Zaldy Co, mayroon na itong kaso. Tingin ko magkaka-warrant na ‘yan by December 15… December 16 kapag tama ang calendar namin,” he said.
Remulla urged those involved not to evade authorities, saying the monitoring has already begun.
“Huwag na silang magtatago pero binabantayan na namin ngayon. We are watching them already,” he said.
He added that Senator Chiz Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu are also expected to receive warrants.