Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said charges may be filed before the Sandiganbayan in November—or “within 30 days”—against several public works officials and lawmakers linked to the alleged flood control fund anomaly.
In a chance interview at the Senate after defending his office’s proposed 2026 budget, Remulla confirmed that the Department of Justice will also lodge separate cases on Monday before a regional trial court against individuals accused of involvement in five “ghost” flood control projects.
When asked if resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co was among those to be charged, Remulla replied, “Malamang kasama (Perhaps, [he’s] included).” He added that the Ombudsman would request the cancellation of Co’s passport once the charges are filed, noting that the former lawmaker has not yet returned to the country after seeking medical treatment abroad.
Remulla further disclosed that a freeze order will be enforced against those implicated and that he will sign “several suspension orders” in the coming days.
He also informed senators that his office has implemented reforms to speed up the resolution of cases. “Before, it would take six months up to one year to finish a preliminary investigation. But now I insisted that we complete it within 60 days,” he said.
