President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has voiced his strong displeasure regarding a recent complaint brought to his attention by Ombudsman Boying Remulla and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The complaint centers on an alleged bribery attempt targeting the Remulla brothers, with reports indicating that the offer reached up to one billion pesos for each official.
Palace Response to the Bribery Allegations
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the President finds it deeply troubling that, in the midst of ongoing investigations into flood control corruption, there are still individuals attempting to corrupt the very officials tasked with leading these probes. Castro emphasized that this situation is particularly disheartening as it undermines the integrity of the investigative process.
No Direct Orders Issued by the President
In response to the incident, Castro clarified that President Marcos has not issued any specific directives to the Ombudsman or the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) regarding actions to be taken against those who attempted the bribery. The President trusts in the capabilities and judgment of the Remulla brothers to handle the matter appropriately within their official capacities.
Confidence in the Remulla Brothers' Dedication
Castro further highlighted the President's unwavering confidence in the Remulla siblings, noting that their dedication to their duties is beyond question. The President believes that both officials are reliable and committed to upholding the law, making them trustworthy figures in the fight against corruption. This trust is seen as a key factor in maintaining the momentum of the current investigations into flood control irregularities.
The alleged bribery attempt has sparked renewed discussions about the challenges faced by public officials in combating corruption, especially in high-stakes environments like infrastructure projects. As the investigations continue, the Palace remains vigilant in supporting efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations.
