Remulla vows to recover 'ill-gotten wealth' hidden in United States
By Jel Santos
At A Glance
- Remulla underscored that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions, recognizing overseas Filipinos as partners in promoting transparency, integrity, and responsible public service.
(PHOTO: OMBUDSMAN)
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Friday, June 26, vowed to recover “ill-gotten wealth” hidden in the United States, saying the country should no longer serve as a safe haven for assets unlawfully acquired from the Philippines.
“We are here to make sure the US is no longer a safe haven for ill-gotten wealth from the Philippines. We will do what we can to recover all that has been hidden here in the US,” Remulla said at a town hall meeting held after the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Remulla, however, did not identify any specific individuals or assets being targeted.
Aside from participating in the UN conference, Remulla also met with members of the Filipino community and officials of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, where he highlighted the Office of the Ombudsman’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening public trust, improving institutional effectiveness, and ensuring accountability mechanisms remain responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
“We must be the gold standard for governance and progressiveness. This way, we can respond faster and better,” he said.
(PHOTO: OMBUDSMAN)
Remulla underscored that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions, recognizing overseas Filipinos as partners in promoting transparency, integrity, and responsible public service.
“Tell us what you think. Share your expertise. We need all the help we can get as this is a big task ahead of us—but one we can accomplish together,” he urged the Filipino community.
The Ombudsman said collaboration among government, civil society, and citizens remains essential in building institutions that are accountable, inclusive, responsive, and worthy of public confidence.
He also highlighted the Office of the Ombudsman’s continuing efforts toward digital transformation, institutional reforms, stronger international cooperation, and more accessible public services consistent with the principles of SDG 16.
Earlier this month, Remulla reported that the Office of the Ombudsman had stepped up its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control infrastructure projects, with 209 complaints under fact-finding investigation and four cases already filed before the courts.