Insider Spotlight
The Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Makati Business Club (MBC), and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) issued a joint statement commending Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for disclosing the matter.
“We commend Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for disclosing the alleged secret decision to reverse the 2016 order of then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales against then Congressman Joel Villanueva over his alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF),” the groups said.
Why it matters
The alleged reversal, reportedly made by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires without public disclosure, “contravenes the constitutional mandate of transparency,” according to the statement . The groups warned that keeping such actions secret undermines public confidence in the justice system.
They emphasized that the Constitution mandates full disclosure of all transactions involving public interest, and guarantees the people’s right to information on matters of public concern — including access to decisions of the Ombudsman.
The bigger picture
The joint statement noted that public disclosure of the reversal was warranted because secrecy deprived the public and involved parties of lawful remedies such as motions for reconsideration or appeals to higher courts.
“Such secrecy undermines confidence in the justice system and sends a dangerous signal that decisions affecting public accountability may be quietly undone, and the people can be kept in the dark,” the groups said.
They added that jurisprudence allows the Ombudsman to revisit past rulings “where justice may have been compromised” to ensure that the guilty are punished and the innocent protected.
What’s next
The groups urged the Ombudsman to continue investigating and prosecuting officials found culpable.
They also proposed creating a technology-enabled public registry of all Ombudsman decisions and resolutions as part of a broader modernization effort to promote transparency and restore trust in public institutions. —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
