Ombudsman targets 60-day deadline for preliminary investigation

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Ombudsman is targeting to complete a case preliminary investigation within 60 days, shorter than the allowable period of a year.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said cases have to move and not sit in the office.

He said when a case is filed, evaluation should take up to 72 hours, and fact-finding to be completed in 60 days.

“From evaluation to fact finding to preliminary investigation to prosecution, umaabot ‘yan minsan taon [the process takes years]. That has to stop. Either dismiss it or file it,” the ombudsman said in a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Flood control cases

Remulla said five cases related to the flood control scandal will be up for preliminary investigation.

These were filed by the Department of Justice, Independent Commission for Infrastructure, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

READ: Romualdez, Binay not in flood control mess charge list - DOJ

The ombudsman is planning to file cases with the Sandiganbayan or a regional trial court by November.

“Didikdikin natin ‘yan na lalong madaling panahon ay magkakaso na tayo na umaandar,” Remulla said.

[Translation: We will work on it so we will have an ongoing case as soon as possible.]

A number of lawmakers, DPWH officials, and government contractors are facing allegations of their supposed involvement in the flood control scandal.