Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said his office will proceed with the filing of plunder, graft and falsification charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta despite the ongoing Iglesia ni Cristo rally at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Remulla said the protest, which entered its second day, would not affect the Ombudsman’s action on the case.
“Nothing is changing, nothing has changed. We will file, we will file,” Remulla said.
The INC rally was held in support of Marcoleta after the Ombudsman announced its decision to pursue charges against the senator. Some participants also accused the government of selective justice.
Remulla rejected the allegation.
“There is no such thing as selective justice. It is their freedom of expression, but it’s a wrong premise. There’s no selective justice in this country when it comes to the Ombudsman,” he said.
Asked if he had a message for the INC, Remulla said: “I have no message. As for us, we will do our job.”
Remulla made the remarks on the sidelines of the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigator Course in Quezon City, where he also urged investigators to remain firm in carrying out their mandate.
He said Ombudsman investigators play a key role in holding public officials accountable and protecting the integrity of government service.
“No matter whether an official is high-ranking or low-ranking, we are all affected when mistakes are made. If someone strays from the right path, it is our duty to help correct that course,” Remulla said.
He reminded investigators that the Ombudsman’s work is not limited to probing wrongdoing, but also includes upholding integrity, honor and public trust in government.
According to Remulla, every fair and impartial investigation reinforces the principle that no public official is above the law.
“It is our duty, and it is a responsibility we have sworn to uphold. We must remain steadfast in our commitment and mindset as public servants,” he said.