Amid continuing scrutiny over alleged anomalous flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday, May 12, said the work being carried out by the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) should serve as proof to Filipinos that there is still hope for the country.

During the 38th anniversary celebration of the OMB, he underscored the importance of integrity, accountability, and public service in sustaining trust in government institutions.

“At syempre, sa ikamumulat ng taong bayan na may pag-asa pa ang republika ng bayan. May pag-asa pa ang ating bansa (And of course, so the public may realize that there is still hope for the Republic. There is still hope for our country),” he said.

Remulla stressed the crucial role played by the anti-graft body in maintaining stability in governance and protecting the welfare of Filipinos.

“If you look at the events in the past year from the SONA to today, talagang napakahalaga at napakaimportante ng ating ginagampanang papel sa stability ng ating bansa (If you look at the events in the past year from the SONA up to today, the role we play in the stability of our country is truly important and significant),” he said.

According to him, serving in the OMB requires political maturity and a broader perspective centered on national interest.

“To be here in this office requires a lot of political maturity,” he said.

“Hindi ka pwede rito na ganun lang ang pananaw mo, parang nakablinders ka. Dapat dito ang tinitingnan natin yung kabutihan ng ating bansa (You cannot work here with a narrow perspective, as if wearing blinders. We must always look at what is good for our country),” he went on.

As such, Remulla reminded OMB personnel of the heavy responsibility entrusted to the institution.

“Ang binigay sa ating trabaho dito ay isang trabaho na sa ating pinagkatiwala ang kinabukasan ng Republika ng Pilipinas (The work entrusted to us here is a responsibility where the future of the Republic of the Philippines has been placed in our hands),” he said.

He also called on employees of the anti-graft office to continue performing their duties with integrity and dedication.

“Basta mahalaga ginagawa natin ang trabaho natin. Malinis ang ating konsensya na ang binabayad sa atin ng taumbayan ay sulit na sulit at hindi tayo nagdadalawang isip sa pagharap ng ating tungkulin (What is important is that we do our work properly. Our conscience is clear that the public is getting its money’s worth from us, and that we do not hesitate in fulfilling our duties),” Remulla said.

Also present during the 38th anniversary celebration of the OMB was former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Carandang, following the Supreme Court’s decision voiding his dismissal during the Duterte administration.