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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman shortens period for fact-finding probe on complaints

Ombudsman shortens period for fact-finding probe on complaints

Published Feb 12, 2026 03:06 pm
The Office of the Ombudsman has reduced from six months to one year to just 60 to 90 days the period allotted for fact-finding investigation on complaints filed before it.
The new rule was contained in Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2026, called "Revised Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman." The order has been published in several newspapers including the Manila Bulletin on Feb. 11, 2026.
"Unless otherwise provided, simple cases shall undergo an investigation period not to exceed 60 days, while complex cases shall undergo an investigation period not to exceed 90 days," the order stated.
It also stated that “the complexity of the case shall be determined based on various factors such as the following: number of respondents, number of offenses charged, the volume of documents, geographical coverage, and amount of public funds or value or public property involved."
The order stated that the investigation period should start from the receipt by the investigator of the approved investigation plan, and it should end with the submission of an investigation report to the director.
Under the new guidelines, the Ombudsman stressed that there should be "prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction" before any case is filed before court.
"The quantum of evidence is met when the prosecutor is convinced that the entirety of evidence presented by the parties is (a) admissible, (b) credible, and (c) capable of being preserved and presented to establish all the elements of the crime or offense, as well as the identity of the person or persons responsible therefor," the order stated.
Reasonable certainty of conviction also includes a summary evaluation of the evidence presented by the respondents through their counter-affidavit," it added.
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