Ombudsman urges public vigilance on flood control judicial proceedingsMANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the Filipino people to scrutinize court proceedings, particularly in the trial of graft and corruption cases involving flood control projects, saying corruption in the country is systemic and involves multiple institutions, including the judiciary. Remulla cited the Sandiganbayan rulings on pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams where the number of convictions is dismal. He noted there had been fewer convictions than acquittals in pork barrel and fertilizer fund scams. Maybe some of the cases were weak, but many had strong cases but still were acquitted,” Remulla said. The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing a compendium of all the cases involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund and fertilizer fund scams so the public could take a look at how the cases proceeded.

Source: Philippine Star February 23, 2026 16:31 UTC