Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday presented to the United Nations its accomplishments in addressing widespread corruption in the country.
“Inside the Office of the Ombudsman, we are strengthening our institutional backbone. We are accelerating digitization, improving case tracking, expanding capacity-building, and increasing our access to public records. These reforms make the institution predictable, transparent, and resilient,” he said.
He made the pronouncement at the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption.
Remulla recognized that corruption has become “more complex, more transactional, and more deeply embedded in critical sectors,” noting that it affects public safety, economic growth, and democratic trust.
As such, he cited the importance of the country’s commitment to UNCAC as urgent, operational, and central to sustaining public confidence.
He also touted developments in cases involving anomalous flood control projects.
“In the past year, our country uncovered a systemic corruption scheme in flood control projects. We moved quickly—complaints were evaluated, evidence was assessed, and charges were filed. Several high-level officials now face cases before the Sandiganbayan, our anti-corruption court,” Remulla said.
“These actions send a clear message: accountability must reach those who believe they are beyond the law. But accountability is only part of our mandate. Our work is nation-building, restoring trust in institutions, and ensuring the system protects the people,” he added.
Among the anti-corruption strategies employed by the Philippine government, according to Remulla, are streamlining and digitizing government processes and empowering citizens through full disclosure and transparency.
