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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC assures probe on reports of 'corruption' in judiciary like in 'missing sabungeros' case

SC assures probe on reports of 'corruption' in judiciary like in 'missing sabungeros' case

Published Jul 8, 2025 03:15 pm
The Supreme Court (SC) confirmed its receipt of information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) that an individual reportedly linked in the case of “missing sabungeros’ may be exerting influence over judges and justices.
“It is the policy of the Court to receive and act on credible reports of corruption, including those coming from high-ranking government officials such as the Secretary of Justice,” the SC said in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 8, by Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting.
Ting said that all reports received by the SC through various channels, including its dedicated email address -- [email protected] -- the High Court treats such information with utmost seriousness and conducts an independent and thorough investigation.
“When warranted, appropriate actions are taken in accordance with established procedures,” she also said.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the SC has started a probe on a former trial court judge who was linked by a suspect in the “sabungeros” case as the “contact person” in the judiciary by the alleged “mastermind” in the abduction and killings of cockfight enthusiasts.
Suspect and respondent in the case Julie “Totoy” Patidongan alleged that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang is the “mastermind,” an accusation vehemently denied by the businessman.
In a recent radio interview, “Totoy” also alleged that Ang’s protector in the judiciary is a retired judge who is now a ranking official of a government-owned and controlled corporation.
Last Monday, Justice Secretary Remulla said that the SC has started an investigation.
Also last Monday, Remulla said that more witnesses are expected to surface on the case of the missing “sabungeros.”
“Mukhang mayroon tayo makukuha pang mga bagong testigo within the week (It seems that we would be able to get more witnesses within the week),” he said.
He also said he received a telephone call on the possible surfacing of more witnesses.
The witnesses, he said, are not among those currently facing charges in the “sabungeros” case which include “Totoy.”
Remulla also said that Filipino divers are set to conduct technical diving operations in Taal Lake in Batangas after “Totoy” claimed that the dead victims were dumped into the lake.
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