Newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced that he will revisit the controversy surrounding the confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte. Remulla made the statement shortly after assuming his new post, saying that his office will thoroughly examine the issue raised by the House Committee on Good Governance.
According to Ombudsman Remulla, he intends to “bubuklatin” the reports concerning Duterte’s use of the Department of Education’s confidential funds and will coordinate with officials who currently hold the relevant documents and records. “Actually nandyan naman na sa Ombudsman ang mga report na yan at ah bubuklatin natin. Pag-aaralan at tatanungin natin yung mga may hawak nun ngayon. Yung mga may hawak at ah yung may tungkulin na hawakan yung mga kasong iyon bago tayo dumating,” Remulla said.
It can be recalled that the House Committee on Good Governance earlier submitted its committee report to the Office of the Ombudsman, recommending the filing of charges against Vice President Duterte. The report alleged possible violations such as technical malversation, perjury, bribery, and plunder in connection with the controversial confidential funds.
Remulla assured the public that his leadership at the Ombudsman will be guided by transparency and accountability. He emphasized his commitment to pursue integrity in government service and ensure that officials found guilty of corruption will be held responsible. “Makakaasa ang publiko na magiging transparent tayo at isusulong ang accountability,” he said.
Aside from the confidential funds issue, Remulla also vowed to continue ongoing investigations into other anomalies, including the alleged irregularities in flood control projects. He said his office will remain open and proactive in seeking answers and enforcing the law against those involved in corruption.
Remulla was officially appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the new Ombudsman, succeeding Samuel Martires, whose term ended in July 2025. He was chosen from a shortlist of seven nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council.
Justice Secretary Remulla has indicated to Philippine media that he will open up the Sara Duterte confidential funds case upon taking office as Ombudsman.
— Ivan 🇵🇭🇻🇦 (@IvanAtHome) October 7, 2025
Multiple inquiries and legal actions regarding confidential intelligence funds spent by Sara Duterte while serving as Vice… pic.twitter.com/7wXqqpnnKJ
The newly appointed Ombudsman said he will formally assume his post on Friday, though his oath-taking is scheduled a day earlier, on Thursday. In the meantime, Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Justice, following Remulla’s transition to his new role.