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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Issue on Sen Villanueva's dismissal as congressman in 2016 not over yet

Issue on Sen Villanueva's dismissal as congressman in 2016 not over yet

Published Oct 28, 2025 11:10 am  |  Updated Oct 28, 2025 01:16 pm
The issue on the 2016 dismissal of then congressman and now Sen. Joel Villanueva and the subsequent reversal in 2019 of the dismissal order is not over yet.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he has consulted with former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who issued the dismissal order, on how to deal with Senator Villanueva’s case.
During the online program “Facts First” hosted by journalist Christian Esguerra, Remulla said he was advised by Morales to “start with the records.”
Remulla said Morales told him: "Start with the records because we cannot rely on recollection at all. Relying on recollection is not the best way to take a subject matter. So, we are having it analyzed right now."
He said he was surprised with Senator Villanueva’s revelation that the dismissal order had been reversed by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires in 2019.
Villanueva is a senator and the people have the right to know, Remulla said. “How come nobody knew about the reversal of the dismissal order?” he asked.
Last Oct. 23, Remulla said he will ask Senate President Vicente Sotto III for help in the enforcement of Villanueva’s dismissal order.
Villanueva’s dismissal order was issued after he was found guilty of administrative offenses of Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service in 2016 due to the misuse of his P10 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) when he was still a representative of a Party-List.
Immediately after news reports on Remulla’s move, Villanueva criticized it as "harassment" from the Ombudsman.
Villanueva released a copy of the resolution that granted his motion for reconsideration on the dismissal order.
Martires confirmed his resolution on the grant of Villanueva’s motion.
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