Statement of Ombudsman Boying Remulla on Calls To Investigate VP Sara Duterte’s Confidential Funds
Ombudsman Boying Remulla spoke on the possibility of a case being filed against a vice president of the Philippines.
Countless Filipinos remain questioning the alleged misuse of the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the lead of Vice President Sara Duterte. It amounts to P625 million.
Recently, a coalition group, the Tindig Pilipinas, urged the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the alleged misuse of the Confidential Funds of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. The group is led by Kiko Aquino Dee, the grandson of the late former Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr. and former President Cory Aquino.
Aside from the Tindog Pilipinas, Akbayan also filed a petition making the same call towards the Office of Ombudsman. Following his appointment, Ombudsman Boying Remulla previously confirmed that he will revisit the complaints filed against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. It earned different reactions from the Filipinos.
Recently, based on a post of Bombo Radyo Philippines on social media, Ombudsman Boying Remulla was asked about the petition urging his office to investigate the complaints over the confidential funds of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. According to him, he has yet to see the document but he will order its transfer to his office.
The country’s chief graft-buster was also asked during a press conference about the possibility of a case being filed against a vice president. Based on the post, Remulla stressed that an impeachable official of the government may face charges but his office does not have the power to remove the officer from his/her post.
“Ang impeachable officer pwedeng maharap sa kaso kaya lang wala sa kapangyarihan ng Ombudsman ang alisin sila sa opisina kaya impeachment pa rin ang proseso kung nais natin silang mawala sa opisina,” the Ombudsman said.
Aside from revisiting the complaints against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, Ombudsman Boying Remulla also previously confirmed that he will reopen the Pharmally case which is an alleged corruption during the Duterte administration amid the country battling against the pandemic.
The appointment of Remulla undeniably did not sit well with countless supporters of the Duterte family. He was one of the key players in the arrest and the transfer of the custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
Previously, presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos asked Pres. Bongbong Marcos if he is really serious about appointing Remulla to be the country’s chief graft-buster.