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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 2 more House leaders call Remulla 'the man' as ICI work nears end

2 more House leaders call Remulla 'the man' as ICI work nears end

Published Jan 20, 2026 11:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Two more ranking members of the House of Representatives have heaped praises on Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, who appears poised to take over as the main man in the investigation on the flood control projects corruption scandal.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla (MANILA BULLETIN)
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla (MANILA BULLETIN)


Two more ranking members of the House of Representatives have heaped praises on Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla, who appears poised to take over as the main man in the investigation on the flood control projects corruption scandal.
Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairman Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre both the Filipino people's high trust in Remulla, himself a former House member.
“Ombudsman Remulla has broad public support and has demonstrated firm resolve in addressing corruption. Where evidence exists, the proper institutions are ready to take action,” Ortega said in a statement Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Acidre agreed with Ortega, and said in a separate statement: "Ombudsman Remulla enjoys high public support and has shown that he is firm and serious in the fight against corruption."
The two gave these remarks following Malacañang’s statement that the work of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) was nearing completion.
Since September 2025, the ICI has been the main body in the inquiry on anomalous and "ghost" flood control projects. Its function is recommendatory in nature, and its conduct of hearings have noticeably waned in recent months.
Ortega said the President’s statement was anchored on the ICI’s own assessment and the scope of work already accomplished. He notes that "completion" is defined by findings and recommendations.
“The proper forum now is the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ). These are the institutions with the authority and mandate to act based on evidence,” he said, as he expressed his confidence in Remulla's capabilities in particular.
Meanwhile, Acidre said: “All conclusions on the ICI were based on the work completed and the records already reviewed. The decision was grounded on findings, not percentages, and it does not preclude further action should new evidence surface.”
He rejected claims that the Marcos administration was avoiding the truth with its pronouncement regarding the ICI.
“Claims that the administration is avoiding the truth are unfounded. The President has consistently maintained that accountability must be based on evidence, not speculation or political pressure.”
Like Ortega, Acidre said the proper course is to allow the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ to carry out their respective mandates.
“At this point, it is important to let the Office of the Ombudsman and the [DOJ] do their constitutional and legal work,” he said.
Last week, Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno gave a glowing testimonial of Remulla.
"Yung ating Ombudsman ngayon, sa tingin ko ang credibility mataas (Our current Ombudsman, in my view, has high credibility)," the Antipolo solon said, as he made a clear distinction over Remula's predecessor.
"Dati kasi, yung Ombudsman natin pinaghihinalaan ng kung anu-ano, ano?--tapos mayroong mga kontrobersyal na desisyon, tulad yung wag buksan yung mga SALN (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth)," Puno said.
(You see, in the past, the Ombudsman was suspected of various things, with controversial decisions such as refusing to open the SALNs.)
With Remulla at the helm of the Ombudsman, Puno said he didn't mind the ICI closing shop.
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