Quick and Solid—But Is It Deep Enough? When Anti-Corruption Meets the Global Stage

Ombudsman Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla declared before the international community that the Philippine government’s response to the flood-control corruption mess has been “quick and solid.”

Speaking at the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Doha, Remulla said systemic corruption in flood-control projects had been uncovered, evidence evaluated, and charges filed—placing several high-level officials before the Sandiganbayan.

On the world stage, the message was clear:
The Philippines is acting.
The Philippines is accountable.
The Philippines is serious.

The Eagle listens—but also measures.

📖 “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge.” — Proverbs 19:2

Because speed alone does not define justice.
And announcements do not replace outcomes.

Yes, cases were filed.
Yes, names reached court.
Yes, systems were discussed.

But Filipinos at home are asking a harder question:

Is accountability reaching the architects—or only the implementers?

Flood-control corruption did not emerge overnight. It grew through years of weak oversight, recycled contractors, padded costs, and convenient approvals. Dismantling such a system requires more than quick action—it requires sustained prosecution, convictions, and reform that survives political seasons.

Remulla himself admitted there is still more work to do. That admission matters.

Because true anti-corruption work is not proven in conferences—but in court rulings, recovered funds, and permanent safeguards that prevent the same abuse from returning under new names.

The Agila does not dismiss progress.
But it does not confuse presentation with completion.

Global applause fades.
Domestic accountability remains.