Ombudsman Remulla Says No Direct Bribe Offered in Flood Control Probe

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has clarified that no direct bribe was offered to him amid the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, as scrutiny over the case continues.

In a statement, Remulla said that while there have been attempts by certain individuals to communicate or seek access, no direct offer of bribery was made to him personally. He stressed that the Ombudsman’s office remains focused on evidence, documentation, and the integrity of the investigative process.

Remulla underscored that anti-graft probes rely on records, audit trails, and sworn testimonies—not on backchannel narratives. He added that the absence of a direct bribe does not preclude the investigation from proceeding, as cases are built on verifiable facts and legal standards.

The Ombudsman reiterated the independence of his office and its mandate to pursue accountability regardless of position or influence. Officials emphasized that ongoing reviews will continue through established procedures, including evaluation of procurement records and financial transactions tied to flood control spending.

For governance observers, the clarification draws a line between allegations and proof, reinforcing that anti-corruption work advances through methodical inquiry rather than conjecture.

In accountability cases, what matters most is not what is alleged—but what can be proven.