Ombudsman vows to take flood control cases to Sandigan

Now at the helm of the government's anti-corruption offensive, newly sworn Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla vows to leave no stone unturned in the investigation on flood control anomalies, with the filing of charges against perpetrators and their cohorts with the Sandiganbayan likely to begin in the next weeks.

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

At a press briefing after his oathtaking before Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Remulla yesterday said his first order of business would be case buildup and securing evidence to forestall any “delaying tactics” that could hamper court trials.

“We will really try to build up evidence because we don’t want to be the cause of delays. The timeline will depend on that, but possibly, filing of cases will be within the next few weeks. Once we file, we'll be ready for trial,” he said in Filipino.

He said they are doing preliminary investigation, which he said is focused on evidence, not on personalities.

"Our concern is building the case, not on who's involved, but on the case itself and the evidence. There are no sacred cows here. So whoever is involved, even a senator, we'll make sure to finish the job," he said.

He said the real challenge is producing evidence that can stand in court, even if it would mean dragging into the legal battle anyone close to President Marcos.