The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control infrastructure projects in 2026, with 209 complaints undergoing fact-finding investigation and four cases already filed before the courts, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Tuesday, June 16.

Addressing delegates through a recorded video message at the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum (SEAOF) Full Members Meeting, Remulla described the investigation of flood control projects as among the most pressing governance issues facing the country today.

“Today, our Office stands at the forefront of addressing one of the most significant governance challenges confronting our country — the investigation of flood control infrastructure projects involving serious concerns on public accountability, transparency, and the protection of public resources,” he said.

Remulla said the OMB has handled a substantial number of complaints related to the flood control issue over the past two years.

“In 2025 alone, 124 complaints underwent fact-finding investigation and 36 proceeded to preliminary investigation and/or administrative adjudication,” he said.

“In 2026, these efforts intensified with 209 complaints undergoing fact-finding investigation, several cases advancing to formal proceedings, and finally, 4 cases filed before the courts,” he went on.

It is worth noting that Remulla assumed office as Ombudsman in October 2025, succeeding Samuel Martires. 

According to Remulla, the investigations are not only about resolving individual complaints but also about reinforcing public confidence in accountability institutions.

“But beyond these numbers is a deeper responsibility — to strengthen public trust and demonstrate that accountability institutions can respond with independence, fairness, professionalism, and resolve,” he said.

Likewise, the Ombudsman underscored the salience of cooperation among accountability institutions across the region.

“Governance challenges today do not recognize borders; therefore, our commitment to accountability and public trust must likewise be strengthened through collaboration and shared learning.”

Remulla, who currently serves as chairperson of SEAOF for 2025–2026, issued the message as the forum convened representatives of ombudsman institutions from across Southeast Asia to discuss governance, accountability, and regional cooperation.

During the meeting, SEAOF formally welcomed the Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman as its first associate member, marking a milestone in the forum’s expansion.

Remulla also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in undertaking the SEAOF Comparative Study and facilitating the development of the SEAOF Strategic Roadmap 2027–2028.

The Ombudsman was unable to attend the gathering in person due to international engagements related to anti-corruption efforts, including participation in the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and meetings with international counterparts in Washington, D.C.