Ombudsman promises to recover 'ill-gotten wealth hidden’ in US

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said the anti-graft body will do its best to recover ill-gotten wealth “hidden” in the United States.

Remulla made the remark in a town hall meeting where he and Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez met with members of the Filipino community officials of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on June 22.

“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 was quoted as saying in a statement on Friday.

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Remulla did not mention any particular cases.

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During the town hall meeting, Remulla shared ongoing reforms in the anti-graft body.

He mentioned stronger international cooperation, and more access to public services.

Remulla said access to public services is consistent with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.

Remulla’s engagement in the American capital came after the Ombudsman’s participation at the 7th Global Conference on SDG16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 18.

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During his speech in the SDG16 conference, Remulla talked about the multi-billion corruption scandal involving flood control projects.

The Ombudsman prosecutes several individuals and lawmakers implicated in this scandal, which led to frozen assets and travel bans, with some cases now being tried in the Sandiganbayan.

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“Today, the Philippines is facing significant governance challenges, including complex investigations involving public infrastructure projects,” Remulla said.

He noted that such a scandal is “difficult” for any country, but he said that these “moments of challenge can become moments of reform.”

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“When weaknesses are exposed, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to correct them,” he added. /apl