Ombudsman files 35 flood control cases; 166 more under investigation

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that 35 cases related to anomalous flood control projects have been filed in court, with 31 before the Sandiganbayan and four in regional trial courts. The Ombudsman is conducting preliminary investigations on 166 additional cases, which are expected to lead to more court filings. The agency is also performing lifestyle checks on 107 government officials to pursue potential forfeiture cases. Remulla emphasized the need to streamline hiring to add more investigators and technical personnel, noting that 60 new lawyers have been hired and at least 40 more are being interviewed by November. The proposed 2027 budget for the Office of the Ombudsman is P7.23 billion.