1 00:19:47,630 --> 00:19:53,650 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: briefing on the fiscal year 2027 proposed expenditure program of the office of the 2 00:19:53,650 --> 00:19:58,310 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ombudsman is hereby called to order. The Chair would like to acknowledge the presence of senators 3 00:19:58,310 --> 00:20:04,990 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: our Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Vicente Tito Sotto, and of course Senator 4 00:20:04,990 --> 00:20:11,030 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Panfilo Lacson. At this juncture, the Chair recognizes the committee secretary 5 00:20:11,030 --> 00:20:14,190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to acknowledge our esteemed resource persons 6 00:20:14,190 --> 00:20:16,010 Committee Secretary: thank you mr chair good morning good morning 7 00:20:16,010 --> 00:20:22,030 Committee Secretary: to senator soto and laxon for the briefing on the proposed fy 2027 budget of the office of 8 00:20:22,030 --> 00:20:26,770 Committee Secretary: the ombudsman we would like to acknowledge our resource persons we have the ombudsman 9 00:20:26,770 --> 00:20:34,190 Committee Secretary: ombudsman jesus crispine remolia deputy ombudsman jose embalmeo jr special prosecutor marie floor 10 00:20:34,190 --> 00:20:40,910 Committee Secretary: punzalan castillo assistant ombudsman adoration agdaba agbada sorry assistant ombudsman jose 11 00:20:40,910 --> 00:20:45,750 Committee Secretary: dominic clavano the fourth assistant ombudsman luis gonzaga bonoan jr 12 00:20:45,750 --> 00:20:52,270 Committee Secretary: assistant ombudsman margaret raiza andaman assistant ombudsman aliceo dc cruz attorney 13 00:20:52,270 --> 00:20:58,470 Committee Secretary: alan canares and director christopher liam we have also invited resource persons from the dbm and koa 14 00:20:58,470 --> 00:21:05,590 Committee Secretary: from dbm we have miss merica joana de la pena miss maria amor atutubo and mr ethan mccray morales 15 00:21:05,590 --> 00:21:11,090 Committee Secretary: from koa we have miss maria carmela marcos and attorney maria kathleen vila thank you mr chair 16 00:21:11,090 --> 00:21:12,530 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you 17 00:21:15,750 --> 00:21:28,350 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: magandang maga po sa lahat sa ating lahat our goal for the 2027 budget is clear to address the basic needs of our people restore the trust in the budget process and ultimately restore trust in government 18 00:21:28,350 --> 00:21:35,330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at sa layuning ito layuning ito mahalagang katuwang natin ang office of the ombudsman ang ating pong tanod bayan 19 00:21:35,330 --> 00:21:41,650 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: lalo na ngayon sa gitna ng aligasyon ng anomalya sa flood control project sa ombudsman umaasa 20 00:21:41,650 --> 00:21:45,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang publiko para sa mabilis patas at independent 21 00:21:45,750 --> 00:21:47,870 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na imbisigasyon at pananagutan 22 00:21:47,870 --> 00:21:51,670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: kung seryoso tayo sa paglaban sa korasyon dapat well equipped din 23 00:21:51,670 --> 00:21:53,150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang ombudsman 24 00:21:53,150 --> 00:21:56,070 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: kailangan nito magkaroon ng sapat na budget 25 00:21:56,070 --> 00:22:01,210 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: manpower, kagamitan at teknolohiya upang magampanan ng maayos 26 00:22:01,210 --> 00:22:05,030 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang mandato nito bilang pangunahing bantay ng mamamayan 27 00:22:05,030 --> 00:22:08,490 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: laban sa katiwalian at pang-aabuso sa pamalan 28 00:22:08,490 --> 00:22:13,730 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: as we scrutinize the proposed 2027 budget of the office of the ombudsman 29 00:22:13,730 --> 00:22:17,710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: hindi lamang ang halaga ng budget ang gusto nating tignan 30 00:22:17,710 --> 00:22:19,670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: kundi kung ano ang magagawa nito 31 00:22:19,670 --> 00:22:25,010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: paano nito mapapabilis ang imbisigasyon at pagre-resolba ng mga kaso 32 00:22:25,010 --> 00:22:28,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: paano nito mapapalakas ang monitoring and enforcement 33 00:22:28,610 --> 00:22:35,850 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at sapat ba ang inyong resources upang mapanagot ang maabuso sa kapangyarihan at kaban ng bayan 34 00:22:35,850 --> 00:22:41,010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we want to ensure that the ombudsman has the resources it needs to do his job effectively 35 00:22:41,010 --> 00:22:43,330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: while making sure that every peso translates 36 00:22:43,730 --> 00:22:45,170 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: into stronger accountability 37 00:22:45,170 --> 00:22:47,670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: faster action and greater public trust 38 00:22:47,670 --> 00:22:48,770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: maraming salamat po 39 00:22:48,770 --> 00:22:50,550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: before acknowledging our guests 40 00:22:50,550 --> 00:22:54,450 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: may we ask also our esteemed colleagues to wish their opening remarks 41 00:22:54,450 --> 00:22:57,390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: our President Pro Tempore, Senator Vicente Tito Soto 42 00:22:57,390 --> 00:23:00,970 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: good morning to everyone 43 00:23:00,970 --> 00:23:07,510 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: there are a number of questions that I would like to pose 44 00:23:07,510 --> 00:23:13,270 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: but I'm sure they'll be answered when they give us the proposal 45 00:23:13,730 --> 00:23:14,930 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for their budget 46 00:23:14,930 --> 00:23:17,590 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I'm more interested in finding out 47 00:23:17,590 --> 00:23:21,650 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: whatever happened to the proposal that we create 48 00:23:21,650 --> 00:23:24,450 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that they create a judicial marshal bureau 49 00:23:24,450 --> 00:23:27,950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: so I'd like to know later on 50 00:23:27,950 --> 00:23:29,450 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: how much budget is needed 51 00:23:29,450 --> 00:23:32,990 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: and what is the bill or law that is necessary 52 00:23:32,990 --> 00:23:35,490 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: or an amendment to the law of the ombudsman later 53 00:23:35,490 --> 00:23:37,230 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that's about it 54 00:23:37,230 --> 00:23:39,950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: otherwise I'm here to listen Mr. Chairman 55 00:23:39,950 --> 00:23:42,310 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you our Senate President Pro Tempore 56 00:23:42,310 --> 00:23:43,550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Next is Senator Panfilo Lacson. 57 00:23:43,730 --> 00:23:47,130 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nothing from this representation your honor 58 00:23:47,130 --> 00:23:48,750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: okay thank you 59 00:23:48,750 --> 00:23:50,550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: for our esteemed colleagues 60 00:23:50,550 --> 00:23:52,250 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: may we now call our ombudsman 61 00:23:52,250 --> 00:23:54,230 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla 62 00:23:54,230 --> 00:23:55,770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to deliver his opening statement 63 00:23:55,770 --> 00:23:58,630 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and likewise to present the 2027 64 00:23:58,630 --> 00:24:01,410 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: proposed expenditure program 65 00:24:01,410 --> 00:24:03,390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: of the office of the ombudsman 66 00:24:03,390 --> 00:24:05,810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: thank you Mr. Chairman 67 00:24:05,810 --> 00:24:07,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: thank you members of the committee 68 00:24:07,510 --> 00:24:09,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the time given to us 69 00:24:09,790 --> 00:24:12,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to shed light on the budget 70 00:24:12,190 --> 00:24:13,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that we may need 71 00:24:13,030 --> 00:24:13,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: or that we need to have 72 00:24:13,730 --> 00:24:15,810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the next fiscal year 73 00:24:15,810 --> 00:24:19,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and this job is tough 74 00:24:19,190 --> 00:24:20,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's not easy 75 00:24:20,890 --> 00:24:24,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to gather the facts 76 00:24:24,350 --> 00:24:25,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: gather the evidence 77 00:24:25,670 --> 00:24:26,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and file the cases 78 00:24:26,410 --> 00:24:29,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but we go to work every day 79 00:24:29,110 --> 00:24:32,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and we get things done every day 80 00:24:32,610 --> 00:24:34,390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but it's a slow process 81 00:24:34,390 --> 00:24:36,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's a process that entails 82 00:24:36,110 --> 00:24:38,070 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: a lot of patience 83 00:24:38,070 --> 00:24:39,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and I hope that 84 00:24:39,470 --> 00:24:42,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sana ay maunawaan po ng mga mamamayan 85 00:24:42,610 --> 00:24:43,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na 86 00:24:43,030 --> 00:24:47,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: kinakailangan pong masinop ang aming trabaho 87 00:24:47,150 --> 00:24:49,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sapagkat ito po ay dadaan pa 88 00:24:49,610 --> 00:24:51,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating sistema ng korte, 89 00:24:51,590 --> 00:24:52,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa sistema ng hustisya natin. 90 00:24:52,710 --> 00:24:54,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Ito po ay dadaan pa 91 00:24:54,430 --> 00:24:55,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ang aming ginagawa 92 00:24:55,890 --> 00:24:57,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating mga huwes 93 00:24:57,670 --> 00:24:59,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ng Regional Trial Court 94 00:24:59,490 --> 00:25:02,390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at sa mga huwes natin, 95 00:25:02,390 --> 00:25:03,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa mga justice natin 96 00:25:03,650 --> 00:25:05,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa Sandiganbayan. 97 00:25:05,110 --> 00:25:08,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Kaya ito ang aming pinag-iingatan, 98 00:25:08,610 --> 00:25:10,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at sa araw-araw 99 00:25:10,030 --> 00:25:11,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na kami po ay pumapasok sa opisina, 100 00:25:11,470 --> 00:25:12,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sinisikap po 101 00:25:12,190 --> 00:25:12,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: naming 102 00:25:12,910 --> 00:25:14,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: pagtibayin ang aming 103 00:25:14,910 --> 00:25:18,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: mga nakikita 104 00:25:18,150 --> 00:25:20,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na dapat pong ayusin 105 00:25:20,350 --> 00:25:22,530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating sistema ng hustisya 106 00:25:22,530 --> 00:25:25,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at dito po sa ating mga kasama sa gobyerno. 107 00:25:25,990 --> 00:25:29,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: At upang magbigay po ng liwanag 108 00:25:29,150 --> 00:25:29,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa budget namin, 109 00:25:29,790 --> 00:25:32,370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: andito po si Director Christopher Lim 110 00:25:32,370 --> 00:25:35,390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: upang ibigay po yung mga detalye 111 00:25:35,390 --> 00:25:37,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ng aming presentasyon. 112 00:25:37,050 --> 00:25:37,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Salamat po. 113 00:25:37,590 --> 00:25:39,450 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Director Christopher Lim 114 00:25:39,450 --> 00:25:40,050 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: is recognized 115 00:25:40,050 --> 00:25:42,030 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Good morning Mr. Chair 116 00:25:42,030 --> 00:25:42,750 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: May I have 117 00:25:42,870 --> 00:25:44,090 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the honor to present to you 118 00:25:44,090 --> 00:25:44,710 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the budget proposal 119 00:25:44,710 --> 00:25:45,350 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Please proceed 120 00:25:45,350 --> 00:25:46,390 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of the Office of the Ombudsman 121 00:25:46,390 --> 00:25:47,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay 122 00:25:47,610 --> 00:25:50,410 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So the Office of the Ombudsman 123 00:25:50,410 --> 00:25:52,130 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: shall strive to continue 124 00:25:52,130 --> 00:25:53,470 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the faithful performance 125 00:25:53,470 --> 00:25:55,530 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of its constitutional mandate 126 00:25:55,530 --> 00:25:57,790 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: especially as it relates 127 00:25:57,790 --> 00:25:59,150 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: to the fight against corruption 128 00:25:59,150 --> 00:26:00,730 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: through the following measures 129 00:26:00,730 --> 00:26:03,370 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: finding and or case build-up 130 00:26:03,370 --> 00:26:04,290 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: prosecution 131 00:26:04,290 --> 00:26:06,750 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: administrative adjudication 132 00:26:06,750 --> 00:26:08,070 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: grab prevention 133 00:26:08,070 --> 00:26:10,710 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and auxiliary public assistance services 134 00:26:10,710 --> 00:26:14,700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So the recommended budget 135 00:26:14,700 --> 00:26:18,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: level by the Department of Budget and Management 136 00:26:18,140 --> 00:26:21,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for the Office of the Ombudsman for 2027 137 00:26:21,120 --> 00:26:24,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: is 7.232 billion 138 00:26:24,280 --> 00:26:26,860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: including automatic appropriations 139 00:26:26,860 --> 00:26:28,160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: This is in conformity 140 00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:30,440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with the pronouncement of the Constitution 141 00:26:30,440 --> 00:26:31,980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and its enabling law 142 00:26:31,980 --> 00:26:34,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: RA number 6770 143 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:35,780 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: on fiscal autonomy 144 00:26:35,780 --> 00:26:38,220 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: that appropriations of the Office of the Ombudsman 145 00:26:38,220 --> 00:26:40,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: may not be reduced below the amount appropriated 146 00:26:40,740 --> 00:26:42,480 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: from the previous years 147 00:26:42,480 --> 00:26:44,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: It represents 0.1% of the budget level 148 00:26:44,540 --> 00:26:47,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of the national expenditure program 149 00:26:47,020 --> 00:26:50,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of 7.2 trillion 150 00:26:50,120 --> 00:26:53,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So going on to the details 151 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:55,580 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the details of the recommendation 152 00:26:55,580 --> 00:26:57,040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with comparative figures 153 00:26:57,040 --> 00:26:58,940 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for 2026 current budget 154 00:26:58,940 --> 00:27:01,260 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and 2027 DBM-NEP 155 00:27:01,260 --> 00:27:03,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: are summarized on the screen 156 00:27:03,140 --> 00:27:05,980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So for personnel services 157 00:27:05,980 --> 00:27:10,340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the amount is 3,760,765,000 158 00:27:10,340 --> 00:27:12,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 52% 159 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:14,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for maintenance and other operating expenses 160 00:27:14,540 --> 00:27:18,800 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 2,444,135,000 161 00:27:18,800 --> 00:27:21,760 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 33.79% 162 00:27:21,760 --> 00:27:23,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and capital outlay 163 00:27:23,140 --> 00:27:26,420 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 857,100,000 164 00:27:26,420 --> 00:27:29,560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 11.85% 165 00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:34,160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: RLIP of 168,332,000 166 00:27:34,160 --> 00:27:37,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.33% 167 00:27:37,080 --> 00:27:41,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and OMB share in Military Council Fund 168 00:27:41,020 --> 00:27:44,060 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of 2,602,000 169 00:27:44,060 --> 00:27:46,820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 0.04% 170 00:27:46,820 --> 00:27:48,320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for a total of 100% 171 00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:53,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Comparative data for 2026 budget 172 00:27:53,740 --> 00:27:56,900 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and 2027 DBM-NEP per program 173 00:27:56,900 --> 00:27:59,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: including RLIP in 1,000 pesos 174 00:27:59,280 --> 00:28:02,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So for general administration and support 175 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:07,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 4,905,983,000 176 00:28:07,020 --> 00:28:10,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 67.83% 177 00:28:10,600 --> 00:28:12,560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For support to operations 178 00:28:12,560 --> 00:28:14,040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 147,000,000 179 00:28:14,060 --> 00:28:19,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.04% 180 00:28:19,020 --> 00:28:22,100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Anti-Corruption Investigation Program 181 00:28:22,100 --> 00:28:25,860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 945,737,000 pesos 182 00:28:25,860 --> 00:28:29,160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 13.08% 183 00:28:29,160 --> 00:28:31,660 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Anti-Corruption Enforcement Program 184 00:28:31,660 --> 00:28:35,300 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 721,168,000 pesos 185 00:28:35,300 --> 00:28:38,380 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 9.97% 186 00:28:38,380 --> 00:28:40,820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Ombudsman Public Assistance Program 187 00:28:40,820 --> 00:28:43,860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 290,934,000 pesos 188 00:28:43,860 --> 00:28:47,700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 4.02% 189 00:28:47,700 --> 00:28:50,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Corruption Prevention Program 190 00:28:50,080 --> 00:28:53,580 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 211,758,000 pesos 191 00:28:53,580 --> 00:28:55,980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.93% 192 00:28:55,980 --> 00:28:58,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And for locally funded projects 193 00:28:58,200 --> 00:29:00,320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: which is the Whistleblower Account Reward 194 00:29:00,320 --> 00:29:01,620 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 10,000,000 pesos 195 00:29:01,620 --> 00:29:03,700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 0.14% 196 00:29:03,700 --> 00:29:09,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So going now to the salient features 197 00:29:09,080 --> 00:29:13,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: The requirement for the filling of positions 198 00:29:13,740 --> 00:29:15,620 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: in the amount of 1.662 billion 199 00:29:15,620 --> 00:29:23,820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: allocation for pension benefits in the amount of 169.381 million pesos 200 00:29:23,820 --> 00:29:28,340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Provisions for Terminal and Retirement Gratuity Benefits 201 00:29:28,340 --> 00:29:33,320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for mandatory 78,869,000 pesos 202 00:29:33,320 --> 00:29:37,760 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and for optional 310,758,000 pesos 203 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:43,780 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for a total recommendation of 389,627,000 pesos 204 00:29:43,780 --> 00:29:46,880 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: The recommended minimum rate for the filling of positions 205 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:49,340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with maintenance and other operating expenses 206 00:29:49,340 --> 00:29:53,520 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: amounting to 2,446,000,000 207 00:29:53,520 --> 00:29:57,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: includes a provision of 51.468 million pesos 208 00:29:57,200 --> 00:30:00,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for confidential expenses in support of the office 209 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:05,440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of the ombudsman's constitutionally mandated functions of investigation prosecution and 210 00:30:05,440 --> 00:30:10,800 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: graft prevention. Additional provision of 2,602,000 pesos for 211 00:30:10,800 --> 00:30:15,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: training to be charged against the office of the ombudsman share from the military council's 212 00:30:15,600 --> 00:30:21,520 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: proceeds fund allocation for the agency's information communications technology requirements 213 00:30:21,520 --> 00:30:34,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: moa component of which is 247 million and capital outlay component of which is 250.519 million for 214 00:30:34,080 --> 00:30:42,000 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: a total of 497 million 549 000 pesos this is to support the i.t system infrastructure modern 215 00:30:42,000 --> 00:30:49,040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: modernization initiatives the construction of a document storage building for omb besides 216 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:50,880 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: is provided an amount of 11 217 00:30:51,520 --> 00:30:59,040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 55 million in view of the agency's critical mandate to investigate and prosecute cases 218 00:30:59,040 --> 00:31:06,000 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: involving graph and corruption which requires the secure preservation systematic organization and 219 00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:11,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: timely retrieval of large volumes of case records evidence files and administrative documents 220 00:31:12,400 --> 00:31:20,160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: an amount of 95.031 million has been retained for the continued upgrade of depreciated office 221 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:21,440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: equipment foreign 222 00:31:21,520 --> 00:31:28,160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and pictures an amount of 500 million as funding support for the purchase of omb building under 223 00:31:28,160 --> 00:31:31,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and under lease purchase agreement was likewise recommended 224 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:44,240 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: going now on the performance of the office for the 2025 and 2026 for its anti-corruption 225 00:31:44,240 --> 00:31:51,360 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: investigation program uh with percentage of completed case built up reports and 226 00:31:51,520 --> 00:31:57,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: fact-finding investigations and or lifestyle checks resulting in the piling of criminal and or 227 00:31:57,200 --> 00:32:06,640 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: administrative cases the target in 2025 was 10 percent the actual 28.08 percent for 2026 the target 228 00:32:06,640 --> 00:32:15,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: was 11 percent the accomplishment as of june was recorded at 41.9 percent for percentage of uh 229 00:32:16,400 --> 00:32:21,040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: case buildup reports and finding investigation and or lifestyle checks completed 230 00:32:21,520 --> 00:32:27,920 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the target was 21 percent with the actual accomplishment of 55.05 percent 231 00:32:27,920 --> 00:32:36,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for 2026 the target was 22 percent and the accomplishments of june was recorded at 14.33 232 00:32:37,440 --> 00:32:43,440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percentage of criminal and for picture cases investigated and resolved the target was 41 233 00:32:44,400 --> 00:32:51,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the accomplishment was 46.31 percent for 2026 the target was 41 percent and the 234 00:32:51,520 --> 00:32:59,920 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: accomplishment as of June 30 2026 was recorded at 21.07 percent percentage of criminal and for 235 00:32:59,920 --> 00:33:07,060 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: future cases investigated and resolved within one year period the target was 26 percent the 236 00:33:07,060 --> 00:33:13,720 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: actual accomplishment was recorded 46.16 percent and for 2026 target the target was 34 percent 237 00:33:13,720 --> 00:33:22,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with the related accomplishment of 57.88 percent as of June 30 2026 for its anti-corruption 238 00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:28,240 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: enforcement program the percentage of criminal and civil cases tried in court not resulting in 239 00:33:28,240 --> 00:33:35,380 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: an approved demurrer to evidence for 2025 the target was 21 percent the actual was 73.18 240 00:33:35,380 --> 00:33:43,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percent for 2026 25 percent and the accomplishment as of June 30 2026 was recorded at 18.4 241 00:33:43,720 --> 00:33:50,380 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percent percentage of criminal and civil cases decided by the court resulting in conviction of 242 00:33:50,380 --> 00:33:59,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: at least one accused the target was 28 percent the actual was uh 50.60 percent and the target 243 00:33:59,020 --> 00:34:06,220 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for 2026 was 28 percent with the related accomplishments of June of 65.03 percent 244 00:34:06,220 --> 00:34:13,660 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percentage of administrative cases adjudicated target of 41 percent and accomplishment of 245 00:34:13,660 --> 00:34:13,700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: four 246 00:34:13,720 --> 00:34:21,460 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 46.12 percent for 2026 the target was 41 percent and the accomplishment as of June 30 was recorded 247 00:34:21,460 --> 00:34:29,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: at 19.18 percent percentage of administrative cases adjudicated within a one-year period the 248 00:34:29,200 --> 00:34:38,260 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: target was 27 percent uh the rated accomplishment for 2025 was 49.13 percent and the target for 2026 249 00:34:38,260 --> 00:34:43,660 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: was recorded 34 and the related accomplishments of June of 69.59 250 00:34:43,660 --> 00:34:51,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percent for ombudsman public assistance program percentage of frontline service feedback with the 251 00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:59,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: rating of at least very satisfactory the target was 81 percent and the actual was 98.62 percent for 252 00:34:59,740 --> 00:35:09,100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 2026 82 percent and the accomplishment as of June 30 98.37 percent percentage of requests for 253 00:35:09,100 --> 00:35:13,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: assistance and grievances resolved or acted upon within the prescribed time 254 00:35:13,660 --> 00:35:22,960 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the target was 78 percent uh the actual was 94.25 percent the target for 2026 was 80 percent and the 255 00:35:22,960 --> 00:35:29,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: accomplishment as of June 30 was recorded at 92.53 percent for corruption prevention program 256 00:35:29,740 --> 00:35:37,660 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: percentage of integrity promotion program beneficiaries the target was 81 percent the 257 00:35:37,660 --> 00:35:43,600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: actual accomplishment was 97.65 percent for 2026 85 percent 258 00:35:43,660 --> 00:35:52,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the accomplishment as of June was already recorded at 98.39 percent uh for number of integrity and 259 00:35:52,540 --> 00:35:56,500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: anti-corruption advocates capacitated and mobilized this is an old indicator 260 00:35:57,940 --> 00:36:07,480 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 6000 target the actual accomplishment was 14.096 the percentage of integrity and anti-corruption 261 00:36:07,480 --> 00:36:13,300 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: advocates trained a new indicator the target for 2026 was 85 percent with 262 00:36:13,660 --> 00:36:23,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: an accomplishment as of June 30 of 352.29 percent for our utilization rate on major programs projects 263 00:36:24,340 --> 00:36:36,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: as of first semester the obligation utilization rate was recorded at 45.14 percent the disbursement 264 00:36:36,280 --> 00:36:41,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: utilization rate upon the other hand it was recorded at 96.44 percent 265 00:36:47,240 --> 00:36:54,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: so comparative budget allocation and utilization rate for fiscal years 2021 to 2025. so for 266 00:36:55,280 --> 00:37:04,940 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 2021 the obligation utilization rate was 85 89.5 percent for 2022 90.19 percent 267 00:37:04,940 --> 00:37:17,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for 2023 90.31 percent for 2024 94.8 percent for 2025 94.31 percent or an average of 268 00:37:17,240 --> 00:37:42,100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For its disbursement utilization rate, for 2021, 96.94%, for 2022, 97.49%, for 2023, 98%, for 2024, 95.98%, for 2025, 92.54, for an average of 96.19%. 269 00:37:42,100 --> 00:37:55,820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For the summary of COA findings and recommendation, we have 22 total, 16 of which were implemented, 6 were partially implemented, and 0 not yet implemented. 270 00:37:56,120 --> 00:38:04,740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So, for 2025, the COA rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements of the OMB. 271 00:38:06,060 --> 00:38:11,980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So, going on the other relevant information to have the committee in the deliberations. 272 00:38:12,100 --> 00:38:15,100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Of the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget. 273 00:38:15,400 --> 00:38:27,460 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So, the requested additional funding, purchase of new building, part of five-year installment acquisition amounting to 7.3 billion. 274 00:38:27,860 --> 00:38:40,560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Funding requirements for the creation of the Ombudsman Marshal and additional positions to augment the general administration and support units. 275 00:38:41,520 --> 00:38:43,700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Additional confidential funds. 276 00:38:44,440 --> 00:38:54,280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And motor vehicles for officials and general dispatch for a total of 1.8 billion, 36 million, 351,000 pesos. 277 00:38:59,310 --> 00:39:10,090 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So, we also would like to request the restatement of special provision already included in the 2026 GAA with some minor modification. 278 00:39:10,270 --> 00:39:17,370 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So, on the use of savings, the Ombudsman is authorized to use savings from appropriations of the Office of the Ombudsman. 279 00:39:17,850 --> 00:39:18,450 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: To augment. 280 00:39:18,630 --> 00:39:25,310 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Appled deficiencies in any item of its appropriations for the current year, which may include the following purposes. 281 00:39:25,810 --> 00:39:31,310 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Printing and or publication of decisions, resolutions, and training information materials. 282 00:39:32,630 --> 00:39:38,430 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Repair, maintenance, and improvement of central and regional offices, facilities, and equipment. 283 00:39:39,290 --> 00:39:42,310 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Purchase of equipment, books, journals, and periodicals. 284 00:39:43,410 --> 00:39:48,450 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Necessary expenses for the employment of temporary, contractual, and casual employees. 285 00:39:48,650 --> 00:39:58,810 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Payment of extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses, representation, and transportation allowances, and other authorized benefits of its officials and employees. 286 00:39:59,870 --> 00:40:15,950 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And other capital expenditures and any other legal or official purpose as determined by him to strengthen the office and enhance its operations and services, as well as for any other expenditure or purpose authorized by law. 287 00:40:15,950 --> 00:40:17,910 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Subject to pertinent budgeting. 288 00:40:18,650 --> 00:40:20,370 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And auditing rules and regulation. 289 00:40:23,940 --> 00:40:26,920 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Use of income. 290 00:40:27,700 --> 00:40:44,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: The Office of the Ombudsman may use the income it generates from peace and other authorized collections subject to the pertinent sections in the general provisions of this act for purposes as may be specifically authorized during or by applicable provisions of law. 291 00:40:45,320 --> 00:40:49,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Release of payment of retirement benefits and pensions. 292 00:40:50,840 --> 00:40:51,640 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Appropriations. 293 00:40:51,960 --> 00:41:21,020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Authorized for payment of retirement benefits and pensions of the Ombudsman and his or her deputies, the Special Prosecutor and all qualified officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman with salary grade 26 to 29 under Section 2 of RA-110-59 shall be released directly to the Office of the Ombudsman subject to the computation and conditions prescribed in applicable retirement laws, rules, and regulations. 294 00:41:21,280 --> 00:41:27,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Retirement of the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, or the Special Prosecutor. 295 00:41:27,120 --> 00:41:51,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Service for a full term for purposes of the retirement of the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, or the Special Prosecutor under RA-110-59 may be satisfied if the concerned official has rendered a continuous service in the Office of the Ombudsman of at least two years as Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, or Special Prosecutor. 296 00:41:51,280 --> 00:41:56,560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and has rendered a cumulative service with the government of a total of seven years, 297 00:41:59,020 --> 00:42:04,200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: including the two years rendered continuously as Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, or Special Prosecutor. 298 00:42:04,320 --> 00:42:07,540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: In any event, an Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, or Special Prosecutor who has rendered at least seven years in the government, 299 00:42:08,360 --> 00:42:15,460 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with the last two years of that service having been rendered continuously 300 00:42:15,460 --> 00:42:19,500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: in the Office of the Ombudsman 301 00:42:19,500 --> 00:42:20,120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: as Ombudsman, 302 00:42:20,120 --> 00:42:21,140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Deputy Ombudsman 303 00:42:21,140 --> 00:42:27,640 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: or Special Prosecutor shall likewise be entitled to retire and receive during the residue 304 00:42:27,640 --> 00:42:35,100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of his or her natural life the same benefits provided for under RA-1-1059. An official or 305 00:42:35,100 --> 00:42:45,520 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: employee claiming retirement benefits under RA-1-1059 may only do so once. So these provisions 306 00:42:45,520 --> 00:42:51,920 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: concerning the use of savings, use of income, release of payment of retirement benefits and 307 00:42:51,920 --> 00:42:57,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: pension, and retirement of the ombudsman, deputy ombudsman, or the special prosecutor 308 00:42:57,080 --> 00:43:02,820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: are indispensable safeguards that uphold the office's constitutionally guaranteed independence 309 00:43:02,820 --> 00:43:09,480 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and fiscal autonomy. It is earnestly hoped that the foregoing provisions will be included in the 310 00:43:09,480 --> 00:43:14,060 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: General Appropriations Bill that will be passed by the Senate of the Philippines. 311 00:43:14,840 --> 00:43:15,500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: In closing, 312 00:43:15,520 --> 00:43:20,460 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: it cannot be denied that the Philippines struggles every day with the problem of 313 00:43:20,460 --> 00:43:26,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: poverty and corruption. Indeed, there is a positive association between corruption and 314 00:43:26,080 --> 00:43:33,500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: poverty. Corruption affects all of us and dangers our national life, makes the poor poorer. Reduced 315 00:43:33,500 --> 00:43:39,300 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: incidences of corruption increases government savings that can in turn be used for poverty 316 00:43:39,300 --> 00:43:45,080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: alleviation projects of this administration. Thus, the Office of Ombudsman earnestly hopes 317 00:43:45,520 --> 00:43:51,720 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: that the Senate of the Philippines, in considering the budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for 318 00:43:51,720 --> 00:43:57,980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 2027 and that of the succeeding years, would realize the crucial role it performs in the 319 00:43:57,980 --> 00:44:03,840 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: investigation or case build-up and enforcement of administrative, civil, and criminal liability 320 00:44:03,840 --> 00:44:09,480 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: to promote efficient service by the government to the people through its proactive approaches. 321 00:44:10,160 --> 00:44:15,360 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: The Office of the Ombudsman, in return, commits that the budgetary support it needs will be 322 00:44:15,360 --> 00:44:34,360 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: not be spent aimlessly but will be utilized with a useful seal and dedication to enhance the confidence of the general public in the OMB as their watchdog, mobilizer, official critic, and dispenser of justice because the Filipino people deserves no less. 323 00:44:34,360 --> 00:44:37,360 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Thank you, Mr. Chair. 324 00:44:37,360 --> 00:44:39,960 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. 325 00:44:39,960 --> 00:44:44,160 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: At this point, we would like to open the floor to our colleagues to ask their questions. 326 00:44:44,160 --> 00:44:48,660 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: As our Senate President Pro Tempore is here, Senator Lacson also in order of arrival. 327 00:44:48,940 --> 00:44:52,160 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Lacson was ahead, but of course, we'll... 328 00:44:53,660 --> 00:44:56,420 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Our Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Tito Sotafo. 329 00:44:56,600 --> 00:45:00,060 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator Lacson. 330 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:02,980 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And, of course, again, good morning to everyone. 331 00:45:06,240 --> 00:45:16,340 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Most of the questions that I would like to pose were answered by the proposal, as I expected by the presentation, except for one item. 332 00:45:16,500 --> 00:45:25,900 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But then again, I would like to thank you for including the finding requirements for the Ombudsman Marshal already. 333 00:45:25,900 --> 00:45:34,060 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And then perhaps we can discuss later with Senator Lacson and Senator JV the law that will provide for this. 334 00:45:34,200 --> 00:45:39,980 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But as far as the budget is concerned, the Chairman, I'm sure, would be able to come up with this. 335 00:45:40,100 --> 00:45:42,520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And I'm glad you have already proposed it here. 336 00:45:43,840 --> 00:45:47,260 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Now, there's only one hanging question for me here on the budget. 337 00:45:47,440 --> 00:45:51,680 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: As a matter of fact, I'm tempted to ask the Chairman to approve your budget already. 338 00:45:51,680 --> 00:45:55,060 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But just one hanging question. 339 00:45:55,900 --> 00:46:05,540 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Your plantilla positions, why is it that only 49% are being filled? 340 00:46:05,880 --> 00:46:09,680 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And does this include regional offices, please, Mr. Ombudsman? 341 00:46:11,870 --> 00:46:15,570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, we're hiring people now, Mr. Chairman. 342 00:46:18,170 --> 00:46:21,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The process of hiring people is not very easy, Mr. Chairman. 343 00:46:21,670 --> 00:46:25,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's one thing that we can tell you. 344 00:46:26,490 --> 00:46:27,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because we... 345 00:46:27,150 --> 00:46:30,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There is a screening, a very rigorous screening for those who apply for the office. 346 00:46:32,470 --> 00:46:34,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: This year, we hired 60 lawyers. 347 00:46:35,730 --> 00:46:36,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 60 lawyers. 348 00:46:36,850 --> 00:46:39,530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we expect to hire 40 more by November. 349 00:46:40,190 --> 00:46:45,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But the application process, they were only told that they were hired this August. 350 00:46:45,510 --> 00:46:48,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But they applied as early as January and February. 351 00:46:48,950 --> 00:46:57,130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, it takes seven months or eight months to actually create, to really fill in an item. 352 00:46:57,150 --> 00:46:57,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Mr. Chairman. 353 00:46:59,610 --> 00:47:03,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And, of course, we have space constraints also, Mr. Chairman. 354 00:47:03,830 --> 00:47:05,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Our office is very small. 355 00:47:05,590 --> 00:47:14,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Physically, our office buildings cannot actually carry a very good setup for lawyers to work in. 356 00:47:14,470 --> 00:47:16,370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why we are asking for a new building. 357 00:47:16,570 --> 00:47:18,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We are actually purchasing a new building, Mr. Chairman. 358 00:47:18,830 --> 00:47:20,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And... 359 00:47:20,830 --> 00:47:24,480 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, 360 00:47:29,460 --> 00:47:32,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, it's a... 361 00:47:33,400 --> 00:47:36,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: With our plantilla positions, we actually are... 362 00:47:37,340 --> 00:47:39,860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have more than 2,000 positions in our plantilla. 363 00:47:40,660 --> 00:47:46,780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But so far, we only have 1,300 plus people within the office of the ombudsman. 364 00:47:47,160 --> 00:47:49,880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we are filling it up as we speak. 365 00:47:50,440 --> 00:47:55,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And actually, we don't have a problem with the applicants. 366 00:47:55,340 --> 00:47:57,760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have a sufficient number of applicants. 367 00:47:57,760 --> 00:47:58,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: For the... 368 00:47:58,960 --> 00:48:08,840 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 100 lawyers we're hiring this year, including the 60 we already hired, there were 3,700 applicants. 369 00:48:08,840 --> 00:48:13,340 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's a very, very good position for lawyers to aspire for. 370 00:48:13,340 --> 00:48:16,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we have great... 371 00:48:16,460 --> 00:48:21,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The quality of the applicants is actually very, very impressive. 372 00:48:21,040 --> 00:48:23,800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The credentials are very impressive. 373 00:48:23,800 --> 00:48:28,800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But the process actually takes a long time for government to hire people based on the 374 00:48:28,800 --> 00:48:34,840 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: plantilla and all the other rules that come with it, especially, of course, the personnel 375 00:48:34,840 --> 00:48:43,560 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: selection board within the office will also give priority to those who are already within 376 00:48:43,560 --> 00:48:44,740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can promote them. 377 00:48:44,740 --> 00:48:47,800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, it really takes a little more time, Mr. Chairman. 378 00:48:47,800 --> 00:48:49,480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. 379 00:48:49,480 --> 00:48:50,480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you. 380 00:48:50,480 --> 00:48:51,480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you for that. 381 00:48:51,480 --> 00:48:56,200 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: At least, we know that the budget for that is available, and you are trying to fill it 382 00:48:56,200 --> 00:48:57,200 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: up very soon. 383 00:48:57,200 --> 00:48:58,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Mr. Chairman. 384 00:48:58,280 --> 00:49:00,220 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 385 00:49:00,220 --> 00:49:04,520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: You have a department or a bureau that investigates your own, right? 386 00:49:04,520 --> 00:49:05,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes. 387 00:49:05,520 --> 00:49:07,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have the Internal Affairs Bureau. 388 00:49:07,520 --> 00:49:08,520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Okay. 389 00:49:08,520 --> 00:49:09,520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 390 00:49:09,520 --> 00:49:13,900 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I'm very supportive of the budget of the ombudsman. 391 00:49:13,900 --> 00:49:14,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. 392 00:49:14,900 --> 00:49:18,320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Next to us, Senator Panfilo Ping-Lakson. 393 00:49:18,320 --> 00:49:19,820 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 394 00:49:19,820 --> 00:49:23,740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: First to address the concern raised by the Senate President Pro Temp. 395 00:49:23,740 --> 00:49:27,680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I actually filed Senate Bill No. 2394. 396 00:49:27,680 --> 00:49:31,480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: What I just filed is for the Ombudsman's Marshal Service. 397 00:49:31,480 --> 00:49:34,920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This is to amend Section 15 of the Ombudsman Law. 398 00:49:34,920 --> 00:49:41,120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ang tawag natin doon sa kanilang law enforcement service is Ombudsman Marshal Service. 399 00:49:41,120 --> 00:49:53,180 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I already mentioned there's a request for PS in the amount of 163.68 million Pesos and 400 00:49:53,180 --> 00:49:54,680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and another 3.799 million para sa MOOE. 401 00:49:54,680 --> 00:49:55,620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This is for 2027. 402 00:49:55,620 --> 00:49:56,580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And 403 00:49:56,580 --> 00:49:57,520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the chairman 404 00:49:57,520 --> 00:50:12,480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: has already whispered to me that approve na raw yung inyong request. Bahala na kami maghanap kung saan kukuha ng pangre-realign. Actually, 405 00:50:12,480 --> 00:50:20,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for information also in 2021 when the judicial marshal of the judiciary 406 00:50:20,560 --> 00:50:26,560 Senator Panfilo Lacson: under the supreme court was not yet passed i already realigned or augmented their budget 407 00:50:26,560 --> 00:50:34,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: by 50 million and so doing at least item we can easily realign or augment no from the special 408 00:50:34,880 --> 00:50:41,120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: purpose fund allowed namanian of course uh in the pala under the office of the president because he 409 00:50:41,120 --> 00:50:49,760 Senator Panfilo Lacson: constitutional body kayo so you can align your budget to augment at least as long as there is 410 00:50:49,760 --> 00:50:56,560 Senator Panfilo Lacson: an item in the budget and the ombudsman ombudsman boying knows this very well having come from the 411 00:50:57,120 --> 00:51:06,800 Senator Panfilo Lacson: house of representatives now my my question is moving on of the 12.796 billion uh originally 412 00:51:06,800 --> 00:51:17,440 Senator Panfilo Lacson: proposed by the Ombudsman, ang ni-recommend lang ng DBM na nakasama sa NEP ay 7.3 billion, with a massive cut ito, 43.5 [unclear]. 413 00:51:18,000 --> 00:51:25,120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: now my question is what specific paps will be sacrificed because of the cuts 414 00:51:26,640 --> 00:51:42,600 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And sundan ko na lang ng follow-up question. In their order of priorities, what PAPs do you think ang masasacrifice na 415 00:51:42,600 --> 00:51:45,320 Senator Panfilo Lacson: magha-hamper ng inyong investigative 416 00:51:45,320 --> 00:51:47,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: function sa anti-corruption drive 417 00:51:50,680 --> 00:51:54,420 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kung hindi mare-restore? 418 00:51:54,420 --> 00:51:57,360 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Paki-prioritize na lang. 419 00:51:57,360 --> 00:52:00,480 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Good morning, Mr. Chairman. So from the 12.7 billion that we 420 00:52:02,000 --> 00:52:04,140 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: requested, sir, ang deficiency 421 00:52:04,140 --> 00:52:05,760 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: ay 5.5B 422 00:52:05,760 --> 00:52:08,100 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and these are cut across 423 00:52:08,100 --> 00:52:10,040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: general administration in support 424 00:52:10,040 --> 00:52:11,640 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: 4.1B 425 00:52:11,640 --> 00:52:13,840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: support to operations 500 426 00:52:13,840 --> 00:52:15,740 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: million, anti-corruption 427 00:52:15,740 --> 00:52:18,060 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: investigation program 300 million 428 00:52:18,060 --> 00:52:20,120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Excuse me, ang tanong ko lang 429 00:52:20,120 --> 00:52:22,260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pakiprioritize kung ano yung 430 00:52:22,260 --> 00:52:24,040 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa tingin ninyo kailang 431 00:52:24,040 --> 00:52:26,200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ma-restore in their 432 00:52:26,200 --> 00:52:27,920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: order of priorities. Of course 433 00:52:27,920 --> 00:52:30,240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: we have the records nung sinasabi ninyo 434 00:52:30,240 --> 00:52:31,540 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kung ano yung mga cuts 435 00:52:31,540 --> 00:52:33,520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but I want to find out 436 00:52:33,520 --> 00:52:35,300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: we want to find out ano yung 437 00:52:35,300 --> 00:52:36,840 Senator Panfilo Lacson: parang indispensable 438 00:52:36,840 --> 00:52:39,260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na ma-restore natin para 439 00:52:39,260 --> 00:52:40,720 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for our guidance 440 00:52:40,720 --> 00:52:42,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: especially that the chairman is here 441 00:52:42,880 --> 00:52:45,520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede nating magawa ng paraan 442 00:52:45,520 --> 00:52:47,440 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na i-restore. But we need to prioritize 443 00:52:47,440 --> 00:52:49,560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: That's just Mr. Lackson, in order of 444 00:52:49,560 --> 00:52:51,500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: priority, talagang sinasabi 445 00:52:51,500 --> 00:52:52,840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ni Mr. Lackson, yun talagang 446 00:52:52,840 --> 00:52:55,420 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: what is really needed na talagang 447 00:52:55,420 --> 00:52:57,360 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: that you would want us to restore 448 00:52:57,360 --> 00:52:59,060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Mr. Chairman 449 00:52:59,060 --> 00:53:01,360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: purchase of a new office building 450 00:53:01,360 --> 00:53:03,180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: is very important 451 00:53:03,180 --> 00:53:04,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to us so that we can give 452 00:53:04,680 --> 00:53:06,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: good working conditions 453 00:53:06,940 --> 00:53:09,160 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for our lawyers and for our personnel 454 00:53:09,160 --> 00:53:11,380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's 455 00:53:11,380 --> 00:53:13,440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 1.465 billion 456 00:53:13,440 --> 00:53:15,260 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Funding requirements 457 00:53:15,260 --> 00:53:17,180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the creation of the Ombudsman Marshall 458 00:53:17,180 --> 00:53:19,060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of course is a priority 459 00:53:19,060 --> 00:53:20,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and that will 460 00:53:20,460 --> 00:53:22,380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: be more than 461 00:53:22,380 --> 00:53:26,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 167 million 462 00:53:26,460 --> 00:53:30,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Additional confidential funds of 463 00:53:30,490 --> 00:53:31,570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 148 million 464 00:53:31,570 --> 00:53:32,870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and 465 00:53:32,890 --> 00:53:35,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: motor vehicles for 466 00:53:35,490 --> 00:53:37,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: officials and general dispatch 467 00:53:37,490 --> 00:53:38,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor 468 00:53:38,690 --> 00:53:40,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Those are the priority items 469 00:53:40,890 --> 00:53:44,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that's amounting to 1.8 billion 470 00:53:44,890 --> 00:53:46,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Ombudsman 471 00:53:46,790 --> 00:53:50,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Bahala na si chairman dyan 472 00:53:50,590 --> 00:53:51,990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, understandably so 473 00:53:51,990 --> 00:53:53,990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi if we compare 474 00:53:53,990 --> 00:53:56,490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung benchmark ng ICAC 475 00:53:56,490 --> 00:53:57,830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung Hong Kong 476 00:53:57,830 --> 00:54:00,630 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Independent Commission Against Corruption 477 00:54:00,630 --> 00:54:02,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung kanilang percentage sa kanilang 478 00:54:02,870 --> 00:54:03,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: total budget 479 00:54:03,870 --> 00:54:05,170 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 0.38% 480 00:54:05,170 --> 00:54:07,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yan ang ina-allocate ng government ng Hong Kong 481 00:54:07,870 --> 00:54:08,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng SAR 482 00:54:08,470 --> 00:54:11,710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa kanilang Independent Commission Against Corruption 483 00:54:11,710 --> 00:54:15,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: compare that to the 484 00:54:15,730 --> 00:54:16,370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ombudsman 485 00:54:16,370 --> 00:54:17,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung counterpart 486 00:54:17,590 --> 00:54:19,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nandun lang tayo sa 0.1% 487 00:54:19,970 --> 00:54:22,850 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi kung susunod na natin yung benchmark 488 00:54:22,850 --> 00:54:24,770 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng ICAC 489 00:54:24,770 --> 00:54:27,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: dapat 25.8 billion 490 00:54:27,650 --> 00:54:28,930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: at least yung inyong budget 491 00:54:28,930 --> 00:54:30,150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so napakalayo doon sa 492 00:54:30,150 --> 00:54:32,070 Senator Panfilo Lacson: naiwanan na 7 493 00:54:32,070 --> 00:54:33,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 7.2 494 00:54:33,970 --> 00:54:35,910 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 3 billion 495 00:54:35,910 --> 00:54:37,510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but then 496 00:54:37,510 --> 00:54:39,370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: these are issues that may be raised 497 00:54:39,370 --> 00:54:40,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa plenary 498 00:54:40,730 --> 00:54:42,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng aming mga colleagues 499 00:54:42,430 --> 00:54:44,570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: anyway, si chairman naman 500 00:54:44,570 --> 00:54:46,950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang mag-de-defend nito sa plenary 501 00:54:46,950 --> 00:54:49,210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: because we 502 00:54:49,210 --> 00:54:50,530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: see some 503 00:54:50,530 --> 00:54:52,370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: lump sum appropriations 504 00:54:52,370 --> 00:54:54,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for personal services 505 00:54:54,670 --> 00:54:56,150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang total nito 506 00:54:56,150 --> 00:54:58,290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion pesos 507 00:54:58,290 --> 00:55:01,690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: this is to provide 508 00:55:01,690 --> 00:55:01,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: a 509 00:55:02,070 --> 00:55:02,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: as mentioned 510 00:55:02,730 --> 00:55:03,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to fill up 511 00:55:03,870 --> 00:55:08,190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1,247 512 00:55:08,190 --> 00:55:09,030 Senator Panfilo Lacson: vacant positions 513 00:55:09,030 --> 00:55:12,490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 51.1 514 00:55:12,490 --> 00:55:14,070 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang vacancy rate 515 00:55:14,070 --> 00:55:14,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng Ombudsman 516 00:55:14,790 --> 00:55:15,850 Senator Panfilo Lacson: my question is 517 00:55:15,850 --> 00:55:17,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: how confident are you 518 00:55:17,590 --> 00:55:19,210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na pwede nyo ma-fill up 519 00:55:19,210 --> 00:55:21,010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi this will be an issue 520 00:55:21,010 --> 00:55:22,010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: that will be raised 521 00:55:22,010 --> 00:55:23,270 Senator Panfilo Lacson: during the plenary 522 00:55:23,270 --> 00:55:25,050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: deliberation 523 00:55:25,050 --> 00:55:26,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so we must be able 524 00:55:26,590 --> 00:55:27,570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: or at least si chairman 525 00:55:27,570 --> 00:55:29,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: must be able to address that 526 00:55:29,550 --> 00:55:31,050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi medyo malaki yung 527 00:55:31,050 --> 00:55:32,050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 51.1% 528 00:55:32,070 --> 00:55:36,510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na vacancy rate 529 00:55:36,510 --> 00:55:38,750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and that would translate 530 00:55:38,750 --> 00:55:39,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to how many personnel 531 00:55:39,790 --> 00:55:41,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sir 532 00:55:41,930 --> 00:55:42,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor 533 00:55:42,910 --> 00:55:45,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we are given the chance 534 00:55:45,030 --> 00:55:45,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to really 535 00:55:45,770 --> 00:55:47,750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: hire these people 536 00:55:47,750 --> 00:55:48,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: now 537 00:55:48,770 --> 00:55:51,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that within 538 00:55:51,110 --> 00:55:52,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: another year 539 00:55:52,510 --> 00:55:54,170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we would have hired 540 00:55:54,170 --> 00:55:55,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: more than 400 people 541 00:55:55,690 --> 00:55:57,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so it will take around 3 years 542 00:55:57,590 --> 00:55:59,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to actually fill this gap 543 00:55:59,910 --> 00:56:01,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if 544 00:56:01,110 --> 00:56:01,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if 545 00:56:01,190 --> 00:56:01,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if 546 00:56:01,470 --> 00:56:01,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if 547 00:56:01,910 --> 00:56:03,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we really 548 00:56:03,470 --> 00:56:04,870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: are able to 549 00:56:04,870 --> 00:56:06,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to hire them 550 00:56:06,590 --> 00:56:07,230 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with the budget 551 00:56:07,230 --> 00:56:07,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor 552 00:56:07,690 --> 00:56:09,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in other words 553 00:56:09,450 --> 00:56:09,950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it will 554 00:56:09,950 --> 00:56:10,830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: even 555 00:56:10,830 --> 00:56:12,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: surpass the 556 00:56:12,430 --> 00:56:13,930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: two-year period 557 00:56:13,930 --> 00:56:14,710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for 558 00:56:14,710 --> 00:56:15,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: authorizing the 559 00:56:15,650 --> 00:56:16,830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: continuing appropriations 560 00:56:16,830 --> 00:56:18,410 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kaya kung 561 00:56:18,410 --> 00:56:19,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ibibigay lahat itong 562 00:56:19,550 --> 00:56:20,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion 563 00:56:20,730 --> 00:56:22,290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi rin ito ma-obligate 564 00:56:22,290 --> 00:56:24,010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi mayu-utilize 565 00:56:24,010 --> 00:56:24,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: because 566 00:56:24,430 --> 00:56:25,710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it would take 567 00:56:25,710 --> 00:56:26,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: three years 568 00:56:26,550 --> 00:56:27,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to hire the 569 00:56:27,870 --> 00:56:28,890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the 570 00:56:28,890 --> 00:56:29,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the vacancies 571 00:56:29,650 --> 00:56:30,830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the vacant positions 572 00:56:30,830 --> 00:56:31,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes sir 573 00:56:31,770 --> 00:56:32,270 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes your honor 574 00:56:32,270 --> 00:56:33,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's the absorptive capacity 575 00:56:33,490 --> 00:56:34,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of the office 576 00:56:34,110 --> 00:56:34,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes 577 00:56:34,410 --> 00:56:36,370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: hindi usat tayo sanay 578 00:56:36,370 --> 00:56:37,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa malaking 579 00:56:37,490 --> 00:56:39,170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: puwersa 580 00:56:39,170 --> 00:56:40,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so we have to 581 00:56:40,590 --> 00:56:41,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: break it in your honor 582 00:56:41,670 --> 00:56:42,630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have to actually 583 00:56:42,630 --> 00:56:43,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so it would be more practical 584 00:56:43,670 --> 00:56:45,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na yung part of the 585 00:56:45,730 --> 00:56:47,110 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion 586 00:56:47,110 --> 00:56:48,510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede nating realign 587 00:56:48,510 --> 00:56:49,210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: papunta sa 588 00:56:49,210 --> 00:56:50,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: judicial marshal 589 00:56:50,430 --> 00:56:50,890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa 590 00:56:50,890 --> 00:56:53,010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal 591 00:56:53,010 --> 00:56:53,890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: do sa 592 00:56:53,890 --> 00:56:54,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ombudsman 593 00:56:54,970 --> 00:56:55,750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal 594 00:56:55,750 --> 00:56:56,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it can be done 595 00:56:56,590 --> 00:56:57,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes sir 596 00:56:57,330 --> 00:56:58,190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para yung 597 00:56:58,190 --> 00:56:59,890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung ma-absorb lang 598 00:56:59,890 --> 00:57:00,570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for the 599 00:57:00,570 --> 00:57:01,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: two-year period 600 00:57:01,730 --> 00:57:04,050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para hindi na tayo 601 00:57:04,050 --> 00:57:04,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kukuha doon 602 00:57:04,970 --> 00:57:05,690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa ibang agencies 603 00:57:05,690 --> 00:57:06,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: at least yung 604 00:57:06,870 --> 00:57:07,890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ibang needs ninyo 605 00:57:07,890 --> 00:57:09,210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa mga priorities ninyo 606 00:57:09,210 --> 00:57:10,190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang ang po 607 00:57:10,190 --> 00:57:10,930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: problemahin namin 608 00:57:10,930 --> 00:57:12,030 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kunin sa ibang agencies 609 00:57:12,030 --> 00:57:13,570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: since 610 00:57:13,570 --> 00:57:14,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion 611 00:57:14,970 --> 00:57:15,690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: itong 612 00:57:15,690 --> 00:57:16,510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi naman 613 00:57:16,510 --> 00:57:17,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kayang i-obligate 614 00:57:17,430 --> 00:57:18,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in the 615 00:57:18,450 --> 00:57:18,830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in the 616 00:57:18,830 --> 00:57:19,750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: next two years 617 00:57:19,750 --> 00:57:20,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: probably 618 00:57:20,550 --> 00:57:21,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede tayong 619 00:57:21,730 --> 00:57:23,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: humiwa ng konti rito 620 00:57:23,450 --> 00:57:24,570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para ma-augment 621 00:57:24,570 --> 00:57:25,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung ibang priorities 622 00:57:25,590 --> 00:57:26,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it can be done sir 623 00:57:26,770 --> 00:57:27,290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you 624 00:57:27,290 --> 00:57:28,690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: um 625 00:57:28,690 --> 00:57:33,060 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang muna 626 00:57:33,060 --> 00:57:33,700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mister chairman 627 00:57:33,700 --> 00:57:34,200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and 628 00:57:34,200 --> 00:57:35,300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ako 629 00:57:35,300 --> 00:57:36,580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I'm fully supportive 630 00:57:36,580 --> 00:57:37,140 Senator Panfilo Lacson: of the 631 00:57:37,140 --> 00:57:39,080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: of recommending 632 00:57:39,080 --> 00:57:40,120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to the plenary 633 00:57:40,120 --> 00:57:40,920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung budget 634 00:57:40,920 --> 00:57:41,240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng 635 00:57:41,240 --> 00:57:42,800 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng ombudsman 636 00:57:42,800 --> 00:57:43,140 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you 637 00:57:43,140 --> 00:57:43,600 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mister chairman 638 00:57:43,600 --> 00:57:45,320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you 639 00:57:45,320 --> 00:57:46,140 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: um 640 00:57:46,140 --> 00:57:47,240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: senator lakson 641 00:57:47,240 --> 00:57:48,180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: doon na lang 642 00:57:48,180 --> 00:57:48,600 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: sa request 643 00:57:48,600 --> 00:57:50,760 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: for additional funding 644 00:57:50,760 --> 00:57:51,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: no 645 00:57:51,020 --> 00:57:52,200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that we'll be able 646 00:57:52,200 --> 00:57:53,200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to justify this 647 00:57:53,200 --> 00:57:54,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on the floor 648 00:57:54,720 --> 00:57:58,100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: siguro just 649 00:57:58,100 --> 00:57:59,240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: general 650 00:57:59,240 --> 00:58:00,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in terms of staffing 651 00:58:00,700 --> 00:58:01,600 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: how many positions 652 00:58:01,600 --> 00:58:02,400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: will the ombudsman 653 00:58:02,400 --> 00:58:03,340 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: marshal service have 654 00:58:03,340 --> 00:58:04,040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: anybody can answer 655 00:58:04,040 --> 00:58:06,940 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: how do you justify 656 00:58:06,940 --> 00:58:08,040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: creating a new enforcement 657 00:58:08,040 --> 00:58:08,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: service when 658 00:58:08,720 --> 00:58:10,460 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the office of the ombudsman 659 00:58:10,460 --> 00:58:12,000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: has 50% vacancy rate 660 00:58:12,000 --> 00:58:12,500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: eto yung 661 00:58:12,500 --> 00:58:13,620 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: natanong no 662 00:58:13,620 --> 00:58:14,820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: para lang malaman natin 663 00:58:14,820 --> 00:58:15,680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: when 664 00:58:15,680 --> 00:58:16,560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: this 665 00:58:16,560 --> 00:58:17,440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: most likely 666 00:58:17,440 --> 00:58:18,120 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: this will be asked 667 00:58:18,120 --> 00:58:18,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on the floor 668 00:58:18,720 --> 00:58:21,500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: siguro anybody can answer 669 00:58:21,500 --> 00:58:22,960 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: assistant ombudsman 670 00:58:22,960 --> 00:58:23,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: bunuan 671 00:58:23,700 --> 00:58:24,420 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: yes sir 672 00:58:24,420 --> 00:58:25,420 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: mister chair 673 00:58:25,420 --> 00:58:27,080 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: our request sir 674 00:58:27,080 --> 00:58:28,140 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: is for additional 675 00:58:28,140 --> 00:58:29,340 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: 100 positions 676 00:58:29,340 --> 00:58:30,820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: for the office of the 677 00:58:30,820 --> 00:58:31,840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: ombudsman marshal 678 00:58:31,840 --> 00:58:32,480 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: across 679 00:58:32,480 --> 00:58:33,040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: um 680 00:58:34,040 --> 00:58:35,120 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the country sir 681 00:58:35,120 --> 00:58:35,960 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: so this covers 682 00:58:35,960 --> 00:58:37,040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: our sectoral offices 683 00:58:37,040 --> 00:58:37,760 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: in luzon 684 00:58:37,760 --> 00:58:38,360 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: visayas 685 00:58:38,360 --> 00:58:39,320 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and mindanao 686 00:58:39,320 --> 00:58:40,580 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and 687 00:58:40,580 --> 00:58:41,620 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: as to answer 688 00:58:41,620 --> 00:58:42,640 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: your question sir 689 00:58:42,640 --> 00:58:43,520 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: um 690 00:58:43,520 --> 00:58:44,320 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: since we are also 691 00:58:44,320 --> 00:58:44,920 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: in the process 692 00:58:44,920 --> 00:58:45,580 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: of filling up 693 00:58:45,580 --> 00:58:46,280 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: these positions 694 00:58:46,280 --> 00:58:47,020 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: we were hoping 695 00:58:47,020 --> 00:58:48,040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: to get a separate 696 00:58:48,040 --> 00:58:48,500 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: office 697 00:58:48,500 --> 00:58:49,840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: of the ombudsman 698 00:58:49,840 --> 00:58:50,180 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: marshal 699 00:58:50,180 --> 00:58:50,780 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: to complement 700 00:58:50,780 --> 00:58:51,380 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: these sir 701 00:58:51,380 --> 00:58:54,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: If funding is approved, 702 00:58:54,720 --> 00:58:55,400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: what is the 703 00:58:55,400 --> 00:58:56,260 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: realistic timeline 704 00:58:56,260 --> 00:58:57,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to recruit 705 00:58:57,020 --> 00:58:58,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: vet and train 706 00:58:58,700 --> 00:58:59,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: these marshals 707 00:58:59,900 --> 00:59:01,180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that these funds 708 00:59:01,180 --> 00:59:02,080 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: won't end up 709 00:59:02,080 --> 00:59:02,820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: as unspent 710 00:59:02,820 --> 00:59:03,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: appropriations 711 00:59:03,640 --> 00:59:04,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at the end of the year 712 00:59:04,900 --> 00:59:05,620 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ano yung 713 00:59:06,000 --> 00:59:06,500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: actual timeline natin? 714 00:59:06,500 --> 00:59:07,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mr chairman 715 00:59:07,000 --> 00:59:07,940 Senator Panfilo Lacson: if i may interject 716 00:59:07,940 --> 00:59:09,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: may i ask the 717 00:59:09,000 --> 00:59:09,620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ombudsman 718 00:59:09,620 --> 00:59:10,820 Senator Panfilo Lacson: do you already have 719 00:59:10,820 --> 00:59:11,740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: somebody in mind 720 00:59:11,740 --> 00:59:12,440 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to head the 721 00:59:12,440 --> 00:59:12,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: judicial 722 00:59:12,880 --> 00:59:14,660 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal service 723 00:59:14,660 --> 00:59:15,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor 724 00:59:15,980 --> 00:59:16,640 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we already have 725 00:59:16,640 --> 00:59:17,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: an assistant ombudsman 726 00:59:17,580 --> 00:59:17,860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: now 727 00:59:17,860 --> 00:59:18,260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yeah 728 00:59:18,260 --> 00:59:18,780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who can 729 00:59:18,780 --> 00:59:19,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who is very 730 00:59:19,620 --> 00:59:20,480 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: qualified to 731 00:59:20,480 --> 00:59:21,060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be 732 00:59:21,060 --> 00:59:22,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be 733 00:59:22,580 --> 00:59:24,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: our marshal 734 00:59:24,460 --> 00:59:24,840 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor 735 00:59:24,840 --> 00:59:25,700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yeah and 736 00:59:25,700 --> 00:59:26,400 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and that is 737 00:59:26,400 --> 00:59:27,460 Senator Panfilo Lacson: general 738 00:59:27,460 --> 00:59:28,380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Eli Cruz 739 00:59:28,380 --> 00:59:28,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yeah 740 00:59:28,620 --> 00:59:29,780 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Para rin 741 00:59:29,780 --> 00:59:31,280 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ma-guide kami doon sa aming bill 742 00:59:31,280 --> 00:59:32,220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na ipapasa 743 00:59:32,220 --> 00:59:33,860 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na he may not 744 00:59:33,860 --> 00:59:34,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: necessarily be a lawyer 745 00:59:34,880 --> 00:59:35,220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: no 746 00:59:35,220 --> 00:59:35,980 Senator Panfilo Lacson: basta't merong 747 00:59:36,000 --> 00:59:37,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 10 years na 748 00:59:37,000 --> 00:59:38,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: law enforcement 749 00:59:38,000 --> 00:59:39,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: service experience 750 00:59:39,000 --> 00:59:42,000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang, investigative experience. 751 00:59:42,000 --> 00:59:42,300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you 752 00:59:42,300 --> 00:59:43,220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you mr chairman 753 00:59:43,220 --> 00:59:45,200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: likewise before we 754 00:59:45,200 --> 00:59:46,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: continue 755 00:59:46,020 --> 00:59:47,180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The chair would like 756 00:59:47,180 --> 00:59:47,940 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to acknowledge the presence 757 00:59:47,940 --> 00:59:49,220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: of our Senate President, 758 00:59:49,220 --> 00:59:49,680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Win 759 00:59:49,680 --> 00:59:50,920 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Gatchalian. 760 00:59:50,920 --> 00:59:53,000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ah, 761 00:59:53,000 --> 00:59:53,280 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senate 762 00:59:53,280 --> 00:59:54,280 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: President, 763 00:59:54,280 --> 00:59:54,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we might 764 00:59:54,900 --> 00:59:55,380 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: want to 765 00:59:55,380 --> 00:59:55,780 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ask 766 00:59:55,780 --> 00:59:56,520 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: questions. 767 01:00:00,240 --> 01:00:08,620 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, to continue, looking at the numbers from 2023 to 2025, we had a single year where over half a billion pesos were unused. 768 01:00:09,380 --> 01:00:13,300 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And your actual cash disbursements dropped to 87.3 last year. 769 01:00:14,040 --> 01:00:17,300 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How can we justify the request to increase the budget of the Ombudsman? 770 01:00:17,640 --> 01:00:22,220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Where is the bottleneck when it comes to actually disbursing those funds? 771 01:00:22,400 --> 01:00:24,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kasi pag ano, ito talaga natin yung disbursement. 772 01:00:24,900 --> 01:00:31,500 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, actually, one thing that we have to streamline is our hiring process. 773 01:00:31,920 --> 01:00:39,280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually very stringent, and I myself was getting impatient about it, to be honest about it, sir. 774 01:00:39,700 --> 01:00:41,120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we will get there. 775 01:00:41,120 --> 01:00:53,020 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that there's a way to streamline the hiring process because the job really needs, the office really needs more investigators who will be there full time. 776 01:00:53,840 --> 01:00:54,880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we'll get there. 777 01:00:54,900 --> 01:00:58,860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we'll really focus on every crime that we are investigating and every official we are investigating. 778 01:00:59,580 --> 01:01:03,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And it's just a matter of streamlining it, Mr. Chairman. 779 01:01:05,230 --> 01:01:10,390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Anyway, also, the office of the Ombudsman is very active now. 780 01:01:10,610 --> 01:01:12,150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: At least hindi na ito natutulog. 781 01:01:12,330 --> 01:01:19,130 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And we're very happy that one of the priorities of the Ombudsman, may timeline na. 782 01:01:19,730 --> 01:01:25,430 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Can you elaborate, Mr. Ombudsman, para at least hindi na 783 01:01:25,430 --> 01:01:25,950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: natutulog yung mga kaso na madalas nakakalimutan? 784 01:01:26,310 --> 01:01:43,370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, when we were doing a study on the cases pending before the Sandigan Bayan and the regional trial courts, there was a figure that struck us because we had cases which were filed in 1987, which are still in the Sandigan Bayan. 785 01:01:45,230 --> 01:01:56,270 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And there are so many cases that have a 15-year life already, which, of course, results in dismissal because of the interruption. 786 01:01:56,590 --> 01:02:06,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, Mr. Chairman, I think that we have laid down many parameters that are necessary for our prosecutors. 787 01:02:07,370 --> 01:02:13,450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And among the most important of this is to be able to present our case continuously for one year. 788 01:02:13,870 --> 01:02:24,070 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And our target is to be able to present our cases within a one-year period from filing so that we will be able to arrest the prosecution's case within a one-year period from filing. 789 01:02:24,370 --> 01:02:25,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That is an ideal. 790 01:02:26,310 --> 01:02:30,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: an ideal number, an ideal timeline, Mr. Chairman, 791 01:02:30,530 --> 01:02:33,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because at least the memory of the judiciary will be fresh 792 01:02:33,690 --> 01:02:35,750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: whenever we do this. 793 01:02:36,110 --> 01:02:38,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And there will be no more complaints about lost evidence, 794 01:02:39,410 --> 01:02:43,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: lost witnesses, and other things that happen, 795 01:02:43,950 --> 01:02:46,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: other miracles that happen when cases take a long time. 796 01:02:47,370 --> 01:02:50,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So actually, that's a target, that's a very idealistic target. 797 01:02:50,890 --> 01:02:53,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But I think it can be done with the cooperation, of course, 798 01:02:53,150 --> 01:02:54,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of the Sandiganbayan. 799 01:02:54,510 --> 01:03:01,190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, talagang ano no, the work of the Ombudsman is 50%, 800 01:03:01,190 --> 01:03:03,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and the other half is really the judiciary, no. Kaya nga 801 01:03:04,350 --> 01:03:08,110 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I think the Ombudsman has been very vocal about this. 802 01:03:09,970 --> 01:03:15,450 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Sometimes he is so frustrated that with all the work that they have done, 803 01:03:15,450 --> 01:03:24,950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: tapos minsan nadidismiss or nawawater down 804 01:03:24,950 --> 01:03:25,830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in the judiciary. 805 01:03:25,850 --> 01:03:29,030 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: With regards to the confidential funds, 806 01:03:29,170 --> 01:03:33,230 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the request is 148 million, but what was approved was only 50. 807 01:03:34,730 --> 01:03:42,350 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: What will be the operations or any programs that will be affected? 808 01:03:43,150 --> 01:03:46,130 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The request is 148 million. 809 01:03:46,510 --> 01:03:53,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We want to be able to establish safe quarters for witnesses 810 01:03:53,350 --> 01:03:55,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and sometimes our marshals themselves. 811 01:03:55,850 --> 01:04:03,230 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And also, we have made a move that probably will be surprising to all, 812 01:04:03,230 --> 01:04:09,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because I have decided, we have decided to hire an assistant ombudsman for the BARMM. 813 01:04:11,730 --> 01:04:18,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And this, of course, entails a lot of risk and a lot of protection needed. 814 01:04:18,670 --> 01:04:22,270 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why this is something that has to be done, 815 01:04:22,430 --> 01:04:24,310 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because in my experience as a legislator, 816 01:04:24,910 --> 01:04:25,810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I noticed that, 817 01:04:26,190 --> 01:04:31,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: people were doing things with impunity more in the BARMM. 818 01:04:32,070 --> 01:04:35,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I remember being a congressman in the year 2005. 819 01:04:35,410 --> 01:04:42,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We investigated the GSIS contributions of the teachers, 820 01:04:42,870 --> 01:04:45,250 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and there were no contributions made. 821 01:04:46,110 --> 01:04:50,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the Secretary of Education at that time had a 7 billion cash advance, 822 01:04:51,510 --> 01:04:54,390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and there was nothing that could be done at that time. 823 01:04:54,630 --> 01:04:55,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: At least, I was a member of the House. 824 01:04:55,850 --> 01:04:57,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I could not forget that. 825 01:04:58,430 --> 01:05:01,550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why making this move to the BAHM, I think, 826 01:05:01,670 --> 01:05:04,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: is one of the most important things that we can do for the country, 827 01:05:05,050 --> 01:05:08,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because we cannot neglect that part of the country, 828 01:05:08,490 --> 01:05:10,570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: which has been neglected for such a long time. 829 01:05:10,630 --> 01:05:13,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But they have to feel they're part of the process. 830 01:05:13,690 --> 01:05:15,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And to be inclusive about our work, 831 01:05:16,170 --> 01:05:19,170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that that's one of the most important things that we can do, Your Honor. 832 01:05:22,030 --> 01:05:25,190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, what is the ombudsman's case backlog right now? 833 01:05:25,190 --> 01:05:26,330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I understand, of course, 834 01:05:26,330 --> 01:05:28,730 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na talagang ito yung tinututukan natin, Ombudsman, 835 01:05:28,870 --> 01:05:34,950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na nag-set na kayo ng deadlines with regards to cases. 836 01:05:35,550 --> 01:05:40,290 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So just for the information of the committee, 837 01:05:40,890 --> 01:05:41,910 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the current case backlog, 838 01:05:42,850 --> 01:05:46,070 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and what is your target for reducing this backlog in 2027? 839 01:05:48,980 --> 01:05:54,440 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Mr. Chair, as of June 30, 2026, sir, 840 01:05:54,440 --> 01:05:58,200 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: we have a total of 4,219 841 01:05:58,220 --> 01:06:03,400 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: cases pending, 1,955 of which are criminal cases, 842 01:06:03,880 --> 01:06:09,480 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: six forfeiture cases, and 2,258 administrative cases, sir. 843 01:06:10,140 --> 01:06:11,820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: And in order to address this, sir, 844 01:06:11,900 --> 01:06:14,700 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the first thing that this new administration has done 845 01:06:14,700 --> 01:06:18,680 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: is to streamline the rules of procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman, 846 01:06:18,760 --> 01:06:23,460 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: limiting fact-finding investigations from previously one year 847 01:06:23,460 --> 01:06:27,100 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: to now 60 and 90 days for simple and complex cases, sir. 848 01:06:28,220 --> 01:06:34,140 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: You have approximately allocated 913 million for investigations. 849 01:06:34,420 --> 01:06:39,480 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So how will this amount translate to faster and more effective investigation 850 01:06:39,480 --> 01:06:40,680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on corruption cases? 851 01:06:42,540 --> 01:06:44,540 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Sir, we are expecting, sir, 852 01:06:44,600 --> 01:06:48,620 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: that this amount of budget will greatly help our investigators, sir, 853 01:06:48,640 --> 01:06:49,680 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: because they need it, sir, 854 01:06:49,680 --> 01:06:53,740 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: for their expenses when they conduct investigations nationwide, sir. 855 01:06:57,450 --> 01:06:57,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Very awesome. 856 01:06:57,930 --> 01:06:59,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And then, sir, 857 01:07:01,130 --> 01:07:05,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: siguro pag-usapan na rin natin, no, since flooding is very, you know, right now, 858 01:07:06,050 --> 01:07:08,710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we all know for a fact that the biggest scandal, 859 01:07:09,190 --> 01:07:12,710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the biggest corruption scandal in history happened last year, 860 01:07:13,250 --> 01:07:13,710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: probably, 861 01:07:14,750 --> 01:07:19,050 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang naantay kasi ng taong bayan dito kung mapanagot, 862 01:07:19,170 --> 01:07:19,650 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: matukoy 863 01:07:19,710 --> 01:07:20,810 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at mapanagot na yung mga utak talaga 864 01:07:21,690 --> 01:07:23,230 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at nakinabang sa scam na ito. 865 01:07:23,550 --> 01:07:28,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So do we expect any development this year? 866 01:07:28,470 --> 01:07:32,200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kasi alam naman natin that yung galit ng taong bayan, gusto nila 867 01:07:32,200 --> 01:07:35,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: mabilis. Pero I know that we have to follow the process. 868 01:07:35,810 --> 01:07:43,750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Hindi naman pwede yung basta-basta na lang magkakaso tayo at hindi airtight. So just for the record, 869 01:07:43,930 --> 01:07:44,750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: probably, 870 01:07:44,970 --> 01:07:45,310 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: can we, 871 01:07:45,310 --> 01:07:45,770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: can we, 872 01:07:45,810 --> 01:07:45,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: you know, 873 01:07:45,970 --> 01:07:46,990 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: hear from the Ombudsman kung 874 01:07:46,990 --> 01:07:49,090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ano pong any development now 875 01:07:49,530 --> 01:07:50,830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: sa mga masterminds 876 01:07:50,830 --> 01:07:50,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: you know, 877 01:07:51,130 --> 01:07:51,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: that have, 878 01:07:51,810 --> 01:07:52,750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na matagal na inaantay ng 879 01:07:52,870 --> 01:07:53,630 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ating mga kababayan? 880 01:07:54,690 --> 01:07:55,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There are now, 881 01:07:55,790 --> 01:07:56,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, 882 01:07:56,250 --> 01:07:58,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there are now 35 cases before the courts. 883 01:08:00,530 --> 01:08:01,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: In the sense that, 884 01:08:01,110 --> 01:08:03,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sandigan Bayan, and in the RTC. 885 01:08:04,890 --> 01:08:10,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And 31 of them in the Sandigan Bayan and four in the RTCs. 886 01:08:11,550 --> 01:08:17,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We are now conducting 166 cases for preliminary investigation, 887 01:08:18,490 --> 01:08:22,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: which of course will lead to filing, most of which will be filed in the courts, 888 01:08:23,650 --> 01:08:25,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and 107 lifestyle checks. 889 01:08:26,170 --> 01:08:29,870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we are still refining our method in the lifestyle checks. 890 01:08:29,870 --> 01:08:35,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that we can do a great deal here because when we are more effective 891 01:08:35,950 --> 01:08:40,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in conducting the lifestyle checks, we can go for more forfeiture cases, Your Honor. 892 01:08:40,690 --> 01:08:45,210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And that, I think, is the most important because once people get used to the fact 893 01:08:45,210 --> 01:08:50,130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that the government can forfeit properties that have been unlawfully acquired, 894 01:08:50,570 --> 01:08:55,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think it will resonate within the community that information can be given 895 01:08:55,930 --> 01:08:58,690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to the ombudsman because it will do its work, Your Honor. 896 01:08:59,870 --> 01:09:00,830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, Mr. Ombudsman. 897 01:09:02,630 --> 01:09:06,970 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Given the magnitude of the alleged anomalies involving flood control projects, 898 01:09:06,970 --> 01:09:13,190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: do you currently have sufficient investigators, forensic accountants, engineers, 899 01:09:13,330 --> 01:09:17,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and other technical personnel to investigate the complex infrastructure procurement cases 900 01:09:17,610 --> 01:09:22,090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that we can augment, if necessary, the personnel requirements, 901 01:09:22,170 --> 01:09:24,970 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: if not what additional resources are needed? 902 01:09:25,790 --> 01:09:29,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, Your Honor, actually, it's really the hiring more people that's most important. 903 01:09:29,870 --> 01:09:37,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have to be able to devise our system to make it faster in accepting more people 904 01:09:37,190 --> 01:09:39,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: into the ombudsman's office. 905 01:09:39,650 --> 01:09:40,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think this is so critical. 906 01:09:41,370 --> 01:09:44,530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the old way of doing things was really much slower. 907 01:09:45,050 --> 01:09:49,310 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we just have to streamline everything so that we can have more investigators 908 01:09:49,310 --> 01:09:50,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who will file more cases, Your Honor. 909 01:09:51,570 --> 01:09:56,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, also, I received information that the ombudsman has recruited young lawyers, 910 01:09:56,610 --> 01:09:57,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: fresh guys. 911 01:09:59,870 --> 01:10:03,130 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: They joined the team. 912 01:10:03,430 --> 01:10:06,810 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So how many were recruited the past year? 913 01:10:07,370 --> 01:10:07,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sixty. 914 01:10:08,110 --> 01:10:10,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sixty of them were hired already. 915 01:10:10,710 --> 01:10:11,750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we're still interviewing. 916 01:10:11,990 --> 01:10:15,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There's a next batch of 40 that will be hired by November. 917 01:10:16,790 --> 01:10:25,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And hopefully this will help us speed up the process of investigation and resolution of cases. 918 01:10:25,170 --> 01:10:27,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And, of course, the prosecution of cases. 919 01:10:27,150 --> 01:10:29,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we will... 920 01:10:29,870 --> 01:10:36,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will have a dialogue with many of the leaders within the organization, Your Honor, 921 01:10:36,110 --> 01:10:38,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can streamline the hiring process. 922 01:10:38,050 --> 01:10:41,450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it's actually something that has to be done. 923 01:10:41,930 --> 01:10:45,290 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because a lot of people want to go for promotion when... 924 01:10:45,290 --> 01:10:48,290 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And this actually slows down everything. 925 01:10:48,630 --> 01:10:54,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's not actually a free hand that you have because you have to go into the culture and be one 926 01:10:54,950 --> 01:10:56,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with the people within the office, Your Honor. 927 01:10:58,750 --> 01:11:00,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: That's the reason also for the needed... 928 01:11:00,930 --> 01:11:01,330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The new... 929 01:11:01,330 --> 01:11:03,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The new office, no? 930 01:11:03,530 --> 01:11:06,250 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: that you would want a better environment also, more accessible, kasi 931 01:11:06,510 --> 01:11:12,150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: office of the Ombudsman medyo, it is in Quezon City and it is not really that accessible. 932 01:11:12,350 --> 01:11:14,090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Parang walang public transport. 933 01:11:15,170 --> 01:11:15,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. 934 01:11:17,130 --> 01:11:18,170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We hired... 935 01:11:18,170 --> 01:11:18,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ano yung 936 01:11:18,470 --> 01:11:19,950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: plano niyong 937 01:11:19,950 --> 01:11:22,110 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: targeted office? 938 01:11:22,350 --> 01:11:23,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Very near the Senate, Your Honor. 939 01:11:23,730 --> 01:11:24,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Very near the Senate. 940 01:11:24,890 --> 01:11:28,010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because there's a glut of offices, of buildings here. 941 01:11:28,410 --> 01:11:29,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the prices are very reasonable. 942 01:11:29,730 --> 01:11:30,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually... 943 01:11:31,330 --> 01:11:34,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's cheaper to buy a building now than to construct one. 944 01:11:34,410 --> 01:11:35,450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why it's the timing. 945 01:11:35,630 --> 01:11:36,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I was always... 946 01:11:36,350 --> 01:11:41,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I was telling Secretary Vida, who's a colleague of mine, a very good friend of mine, 947 01:11:41,870 --> 01:11:46,530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that probably the DOJ was able to lead the way in purchasing a building. 948 01:11:47,170 --> 01:11:50,970 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But the same should go for the rest of government now that needs office space 949 01:11:50,970 --> 01:11:53,670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to stop constructing buildings and just buy them. 950 01:11:54,070 --> 01:11:55,010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it's much cheaper. 951 01:11:55,370 --> 01:12:00,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And of course, there will be so much less corruption if we buy a finished product. 952 01:12:01,330 --> 01:12:03,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's publicly known to people. 953 01:12:04,430 --> 01:12:10,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, there will be no more tragedies like our integration building here in Macapagal. 954 01:12:10,470 --> 01:12:11,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Ten years in the making. 955 01:12:11,810 --> 01:12:13,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Eight years in the making, Your Honor. 956 01:12:13,890 --> 01:12:18,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But at a great expense, with a driveway that does not fit any SUV. 957 01:12:19,150 --> 01:12:20,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It will only fit a Wigo, Your Honor. 958 01:12:20,910 --> 01:12:22,330 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mr. Chairman, and... 959 01:12:23,070 --> 01:12:27,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi pagka kayo nagpagawa ng building, ang implementing agency is DPWH. 960 01:12:28,330 --> 01:12:29,530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, again, that's bad news. 961 01:12:31,330 --> 01:12:32,570 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: That's what David wants. 962 01:12:33,510 --> 01:12:34,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. 963 01:12:34,590 --> 01:12:36,230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mr. Chairman, if I may... 964 01:12:36,230 --> 01:12:37,150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Senator Lackson. 965 01:12:37,270 --> 01:12:38,270 Senator Panfilo Lacson: It came to my mind. 966 01:12:38,430 --> 01:12:42,330 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Inisip ko lang, I was just mulling over the idea na 967 01:12:43,110 --> 01:12:45,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And I need the legal opinion of the ombudsman here. 968 01:12:46,510 --> 01:12:51,230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi ang bill naman is amendment ng Ombudsman Act, di ba? 969 01:12:51,230 --> 01:12:56,250 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So pwedeng i-incorporate doon na kung meron kayong ma-gain ang government, 970 01:12:56,430 --> 01:12:58,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: national government or treasury, sa restitution, 971 01:12:59,230 --> 01:13:01,230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: baka parang akin to the 972 01:13:01,330 --> 01:13:02,490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Customs modernization. 973 01:13:03,190 --> 01:13:08,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Part of that would be earmarked para sa madagdagan yung budget. 974 01:13:09,510 --> 01:13:14,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This will be your non-tax revenue, if I may say so. 975 01:13:14,990 --> 01:13:16,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, probably during the... 976 01:13:16,730 --> 01:13:20,870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, magkakomite hearing naman, mag-a-attend naman si Assistant Ombudsman Ellie. 977 01:13:21,210 --> 01:13:24,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So pwedeng i-incorporate yung provision na ganoon na 978 01:13:25,470 --> 01:13:30,390 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Maybe 10 or 20 percent of whatever amount is restituted 979 01:13:30,390 --> 01:13:31,310 Senator Panfilo Lacson: should be incorporated. 980 01:13:31,330 --> 01:13:33,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And it's covered by law. 981 01:13:33,730 --> 01:13:37,950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So hindi pwedeng galawin na yung part of the restituted amount. 982 01:13:38,790 --> 01:13:39,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It looks very appreciated. 983 01:13:40,630 --> 01:13:42,130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We appreciate that very much. 984 01:13:42,230 --> 01:13:42,990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Wala namang legal infirmity. 985 01:13:43,190 --> 01:13:44,510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: There's no legal infirmity. 986 01:13:44,990 --> 01:13:45,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you. 987 01:13:45,710 --> 01:13:46,430 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 988 01:13:47,590 --> 01:13:48,670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Mr. President. 989 01:13:48,850 --> 01:13:52,530 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Related to that, I hope what happened to the Supreme Court will not happen to you. 990 01:13:53,010 --> 01:14:00,210 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Because upon approval of the Supreme Court Judiciary Marshal, 991 01:14:00,210 --> 01:14:00,310 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: the Supreme Court Judiciary Marshal, 992 01:14:01,330 --> 01:14:02,950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: it took effect in 2022. 993 01:14:03,610 --> 01:14:10,310 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But they only appointed the Chief Marshal in 2025. 994 01:14:11,250 --> 01:14:12,370 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Three years after. 995 01:14:12,890 --> 01:14:17,950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But I think you have already in mind someone to take that post. 996 01:14:18,890 --> 01:14:19,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sure. 997 01:14:19,770 --> 01:14:23,390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Not only that, but we are learning also from the Supreme Court 998 01:14:23,390 --> 01:14:26,490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: on what happened to them and why everything took so long. 999 01:14:26,990 --> 01:14:29,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, I think we can actually dispatch on this one, Your Honor. 1000 01:14:29,110 --> 01:14:29,870 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. Thank you. 1001 01:14:29,870 --> 01:14:32,850 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, during these budget hearings, 1002 01:14:33,170 --> 01:14:36,910 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: because of the reforms that were instituted, 1003 01:14:37,050 --> 01:14:40,170 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: started by our Senate President, Win Gatchalian, last year, 1004 01:14:40,490 --> 01:14:43,590 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we're encouraging participation from the watchdogs 1005 01:14:43,590 --> 01:14:45,790 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and civil society organizations. 1006 01:14:46,090 --> 01:14:50,730 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So merong mga konting katanungan from the People?s Budget Coalition. 1007 01:14:52,710 --> 01:14:56,290 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many fact-finding investigations, case build-ups, 1008 01:14:56,290 --> 01:14:58,990 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and lifestyle checks were separately opened, completed, 1009 01:14:58,990 --> 01:15:00,010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and pending in 2025 1010 01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:01,680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and 2026. 1011 01:15:02,620 --> 01:15:07,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, how many lifestyle checks led to administrative cases, 1012 01:15:07,160 --> 01:15:09,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: criminal charges, forfeiture proceedings, dismissals, 1013 01:15:10,080 --> 01:15:11,500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: or recovery of assets? 1014 01:15:12,600 --> 01:15:15,840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And how many senior officials or cases involving large amounts? 1015 01:15:16,620 --> 01:15:17,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Anybody can answer. 1016 01:15:17,980 --> 01:15:22,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sir, we have a table here that shows our case buildup 1017 01:15:22,940 --> 01:15:29,080 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: beginning of January 2025 for the balance, 131. 1018 01:15:29,080 --> 01:15:37,140 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Fact-finding, we're doing 1,224 now, for a total of 1,355. 1019 01:15:37,920 --> 01:15:42,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So the newly instituted case buildup, fact-finding, 1020 01:15:42,820 --> 01:15:51,720 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and lifestyle checks for 2025 were 29, 667, and 696, Your Honor. 1021 01:15:53,540 --> 01:15:58,720 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So completely disposed in 2025 were 99 case buildup, 1022 01:15:59,080 --> 01:16:05,320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 1,030 lifestyle checks, for a total of 1,129. 1023 01:16:07,500 --> 01:16:09,180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So we have the figures here, Your Honor. 1024 01:16:09,500 --> 01:16:10,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We can submit this to the committee. 1025 01:16:10,920 --> 01:16:11,520 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, thank you. 1026 01:16:12,200 --> 01:16:16,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, since Ombudsman is mandated to prioritize cases involving high-ranking officials, 1027 01:16:17,340 --> 01:16:19,180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: grave offenses, and large sums, 1028 01:16:19,720 --> 01:16:25,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: what percentage of investigative resources is devoted to these priority cases? 1029 01:16:25,020 --> 01:16:28,100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many such cases were filed and resolved annually? 1030 01:16:29,080 --> 01:16:33,440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Doon sa mga high-ranking officials, grave offenses? 1031 01:16:59,500 --> 01:17:13,140 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, we will not be able to tally that, Your Honor, 1032 01:17:13,220 --> 01:17:15,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but we will submit, we will comply with the committee, Your Honor. 1033 01:17:15,560 --> 01:17:17,320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, we'll just wait for the submission. 1034 01:17:18,100 --> 01:17:21,360 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, can you update the committee on how many officials were dismissed, 1035 01:17:21,580 --> 01:17:23,860 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: suspended, sama na rin siguro ito sa report, 1036 01:17:24,320 --> 01:17:27,660 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: suspended, fined, reprimanded, or otherwise sanctioned? 1037 01:17:27,660 --> 01:17:31,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many Ombudsman decisions were actually implemented by agencies? 1038 01:17:32,120 --> 01:17:33,300 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So this is it. 1039 01:17:33,760 --> 01:17:35,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Or how many were overturned? 1040 01:17:35,240 --> 01:17:36,240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Or modified or appealed? 1041 01:17:36,320 --> 01:17:37,800 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Probably can include this also in the report. 1042 01:17:37,800 --> 01:17:39,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will submit that, Your Honor. 1043 01:17:39,260 --> 01:17:40,240 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will submit to the committee. 1044 01:17:40,760 --> 01:17:46,040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And then, what avenues for participation are currently available for civil society organizations 1045 01:17:46,040 --> 01:17:49,840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to participate in anti-corruption efforts of the Ombudsman? 1046 01:17:52,000 --> 01:17:57,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How can they participate, ang CSOs, mga civil society organizations and watchdogs? 1047 01:17:58,340 --> 01:18:01,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They can actually send us complaints, Your Honor, and we will investigate. 1048 01:18:01,620 --> 01:18:05,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will act with dispatch, with guides to these, with our, being sent to us. 1049 01:18:06,520 --> 01:18:15,660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sometimes the expectation is too high that they will send a statement full of supposed facts, 1050 01:18:16,060 --> 01:18:18,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but nothing is supported by the statements. 1051 01:18:19,520 --> 01:18:21,660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So it will be a little more complicated. 1052 01:18:21,660 --> 01:18:26,420 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But if they can submit to us a more comprehensive statement on the wrongdoing, 1053 01:18:26,800 --> 01:18:28,340 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: then we can act faster, Your Honor. 1054 01:18:31,210 --> 01:18:33,090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: There's a question from the media. 1055 01:18:33,650 --> 01:18:37,010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Bakit kailangan ng Ombudsman ng 54 million na confidential funds? 1056 01:18:38,570 --> 01:18:42,910 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Nung panahon ni Martires, under 2024, 2025, 1 million lang daw, 1057 01:18:43,250 --> 01:18:47,010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: pero pinapa-realign in other items, no. 1058 01:18:47,550 --> 01:18:49,390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So it's from the media. 1059 01:18:49,970 --> 01:18:55,920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think we're more aggressive in pursuing investigations, Your Honor, 1060 01:18:56,040 --> 01:19:03,300 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and purchasing information and other things that requires confidential funds to be utilized, Your Honor. 1061 01:19:04,000 --> 01:19:04,980 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kaya pala natutulog noon. 1062 01:19:06,440 --> 01:19:07,900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Sige, President Pro Tempore. 1063 01:19:07,900 --> 01:19:09,900 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Chairman, that's it. 1064 01:19:09,940 --> 01:19:15,240 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: A drop in the bucket kung tutuusin for what the work of the Ombudsman is doing. 1065 01:19:15,680 --> 01:19:23,580 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: As a matter of fact, there was one office, one office of government that had 125 million five times, 1066 01:19:24,100 --> 01:19:26,720 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for confidential funds, hindi ba? 1067 01:19:28,040 --> 01:19:33,400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And definitely, as we mentioned, in these budget hearings, 1068 01:19:33,400 --> 01:19:39,820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we will confine confidential funds 1069 01:19:39,820 --> 01:19:46,820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: only to law enforcement agencies, investigative agencies and those connected with national security. 1070 01:19:46,820 --> 01:19:53,080 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And of course, the office of the Ombudsman, in its drive against corruption, will be one of them. 1071 01:19:53,080 --> 01:19:59,320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And I think 54 million will be very much justified, no. Mababa na nga yun compared to 1 million noon. 1072 01:19:59,320 --> 01:20:03,100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kaya sabi ko nga hindi ko alam kung nagtatrabaho noon with 1 million, 1073 01:20:03,100 --> 01:20:05,100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: whatever ano kung mabibili noon. 1074 01:20:05,100 --> 01:20:08,660 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Probably, our Senate President, you have some questions? 1075 01:20:08,660 --> 01:20:09,660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 1076 01:20:09,660 --> 01:20:20,260 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I do agree na yung 54 million is minuscule compared to the gravity of the corruption cases that we are embroiled in. 1077 01:20:20,260 --> 01:20:25,860 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And the Ombudsman is tasked to resolve all of those corruption issues. 1078 01:20:25,860 --> 01:20:34,760 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Admittedly, kailangan talaga ng legitimate purchase of information 1079 01:20:34,760 --> 01:20:37,500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: para ma-establish yung evidence, 1080 01:20:37,500 --> 01:20:39,500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: lalong lumakas yung kaso at makasuhan natin 1081 01:20:39,660 --> 01:20:40,660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: at manalo tayo sa pagkaso 1082 01:20:40,660 --> 01:20:46,660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kasi hindi lang mag-file ng cases kundi dapat manalo tayo doon sa mga kaso. 1083 01:20:46,660 --> 01:20:56,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So, I think the 51 million is well justified so that we can strengthen the cases that we 1084 01:20:56,960 --> 01:20:57,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: will file. 1085 01:20:57,960 --> 01:21:02,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I have a few policy questions, Ombudsman. 1086 01:21:02,180 --> 01:21:06,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: This is in relation to a topic that we're discussing here on the floor. 1087 01:21:06,460 --> 01:21:07,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: yung barangay term setting. 1088 01:21:07,460 --> 01:21:08,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: no? 1089 01:21:09,460 --> 01:21:13,820 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And kayo, nag-local government rin kayo, Ombudsman. 1090 01:21:13,820 --> 01:21:19,700 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: May plano kasi habaan yung term to five years. 1091 01:21:19,700 --> 01:21:24,520 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kung magaling yung kapitan, walang problema. Pero kung yung kapitan bulok, problema tayo. 1092 01:21:24,520 --> 01:21:26,140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Lalo na kung corrupt. 1093 01:21:26,140 --> 01:21:27,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Di ba, Tito Sen? 1094 01:21:27,460 --> 01:21:30,560 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yun yung interpolation mo kahapon. 1095 01:21:30,560 --> 01:21:36,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So I would like to pick your brains on your opinion on extending the five-year term. 1096 01:21:36,460 --> 01:21:37,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And then what are the 1097 01:21:37,460 --> 01:21:38,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: recourses 1098 01:21:38,460 --> 01:21:44,120 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: that our constituents can go to, especially with the Ombudsman? 1099 01:21:44,220 --> 01:21:49,880 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kung may mga kapitan na hindi nagfa-function, hindi nagtatrabaho, corrupt, ano yung mga remedies nila? 1100 01:21:50,820 --> 01:21:57,560 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, the office of the ombudsman can dismiss barangay captains who do not do their job. 1101 01:21:58,500 --> 01:22:03,920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I think all we need is a substantiated complaint, a complaint that people will stand up to, 1102 01:22:03,920 --> 01:22:09,060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: will try to prove to us so that we can utilize this power given to us by the law. 1103 01:22:10,960 --> 01:22:15,340 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And it's just something, it's just probably unfortunate that I have to mention this. 1104 01:22:16,220 --> 01:22:19,700 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Many of those that we have dismissed in the office of the ombudsman institutionally, 1105 01:22:21,100 --> 01:22:26,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in many cases, these are talking about many, many cases, were reversed by the Court of Appeals. 1106 01:22:27,800 --> 01:22:32,180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That is a trend, Your Honor, that's known to the whole office of the ombudsman. 1107 01:22:32,720 --> 01:22:33,900 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that... 1108 01:22:33,920 --> 01:22:39,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That I spoke about to Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. 1109 01:22:39,180 --> 01:22:40,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I told him about this problem that we have. 1110 01:22:41,780 --> 01:22:48,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because institutionally, it's very discouraging to be conducting all of these activities 1111 01:22:48,460 --> 01:22:56,020 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: only to be reversed by the Court of Appeals decision that came out of nowhere. 1112 01:22:56,180 --> 01:22:57,880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I mean, sometimes we feel that way. 1113 01:22:58,620 --> 01:23:03,120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I was actually confronted with that problem as Secretary of Justice 1114 01:23:03,120 --> 01:23:03,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because... 1115 01:23:03,920 --> 01:23:07,320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There was somebody dismissed by the office of the ombudsman 1116 01:23:07,320 --> 01:23:10,280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who was... 1117 01:23:10,280 --> 01:23:12,440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Which decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals 1118 01:23:12,440 --> 01:23:17,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and was trying to get back to his office in the NBI. 1119 01:23:19,100 --> 01:23:23,300 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I could not honor that kind of logic 1120 01:23:23,300 --> 01:23:24,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because he had been dismissed already. 1121 01:23:25,760 --> 01:23:30,000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And if you will be reversed in your dismissal, 1122 01:23:30,480 --> 01:23:32,100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: what then is the power given to us? 1123 01:23:32,100 --> 01:23:33,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If that will be the case. 1124 01:23:33,920 --> 01:23:37,400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, that's one of the dilemmas that we face with the judiciary, Your Honor. 1125 01:23:37,800 --> 01:23:39,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm sorry to say, but as a lawyer, 1126 01:23:40,340 --> 01:23:45,000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's not really common for lawyers to complain about the courts. 1127 01:23:45,660 --> 01:23:48,060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But sometimes we just have to raise that issue already 1128 01:23:48,060 --> 01:23:53,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because it can be the biggest elephant in the room within our justice system. 1129 01:23:53,420 --> 01:23:55,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If you talk about foreign investment, 1130 01:23:56,160 --> 01:23:58,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have a problem with foreign investment 1131 01:23:58,620 --> 01:24:03,560 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because there's no certainty that the rules will apply to the judiciary. 1132 01:24:03,920 --> 01:24:07,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that has to be dealt with face-to-face by our people 1133 01:24:07,960 --> 01:24:11,540 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and by the legislators, by all of us. 1134 01:24:12,140 --> 01:24:14,880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's the biggest elephant in the room for this country. 1135 01:24:15,640 --> 01:24:20,360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The judiciary has to be examined closely by everybody in government 1136 01:24:20,360 --> 01:24:22,920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and they themselves should go on a soul-searching 1137 01:24:22,920 --> 01:24:25,000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can be a better country. 1138 01:24:25,220 --> 01:24:27,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that that's one of the problems besetting us right now. 1139 01:24:29,770 --> 01:24:32,990 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Ombudsman, I really appreciate your... 1140 01:24:35,330 --> 01:24:39,390 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: being proactive instead of just waiting for cases to be filed 1141 01:24:39,390 --> 01:24:40,510 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: and aaktuhan. 1142 01:24:40,950 --> 01:24:43,350 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung nakikita ko na proactive ngayon ang Ombudsman, 1143 01:24:43,410 --> 01:24:48,930 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: meaning you go after the issues before it explodes, 1144 01:24:49,110 --> 01:24:50,990 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: which is the right way to do. 1145 01:24:51,670 --> 01:24:55,030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: However, kagaya ng nasabi ng ating mga kasamahan, 1146 01:24:55,250 --> 01:24:58,610 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the wheels of justice, kasama dito ang judiciary. 1147 01:24:59,490 --> 01:25:03,790 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kanina narinig ko sinabi niyo na it takes on average 15 years in the Sandiganbayan 1148 01:25:03,790 --> 01:25:05,310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to resolve a case. 1149 01:25:05,330 --> 01:25:12,050 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Ngayon, the CA also reverses a lot of the decisions you make. 1150 01:25:12,990 --> 01:25:14,850 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And I'm not blaming them. 1151 01:25:15,170 --> 01:25:20,030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I am just saying, yung wheels of justice putol eh. 1152 01:25:20,230 --> 01:25:21,310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Hindi gumugulong eh. 1153 01:25:21,510 --> 01:25:22,410 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Parang na-stuck up siya. 1154 01:25:23,010 --> 01:25:28,670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So what efforts is the ombudsman doing together with the judiciary 1155 01:25:28,670 --> 01:25:34,670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to resolve this turning of the will of justice 1156 01:25:34,670 --> 01:25:35,310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to make it more effective? 1157 01:25:35,330 --> 01:25:41,810 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: More efficient, faster, and also to make it just for our constituents? 1158 01:25:42,110 --> 01:25:44,210 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kasi kung ang Ombudsman proactive, 1159 01:25:44,870 --> 01:25:45,830 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kabilang banda naman hindi, 1160 01:25:46,830 --> 01:25:48,550 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: sayang, sayang yung efforts. 1161 01:25:49,270 --> 01:25:55,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, that's something that I looked at when I was Secretary of Justice, Your Honor. 1162 01:25:56,130 --> 01:25:57,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: When I was the Secretary of Justice, 1163 01:25:57,970 --> 01:26:00,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we had this Justice Sector Coordinating Council, 1164 01:26:00,910 --> 01:26:04,630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: which involved the courts, the Department of Justice, 1165 01:26:05,330 --> 01:26:07,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and the Department of Interior and Local Government 1166 01:26:07,650 --> 01:26:09,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we could coordinate our efforts. 1167 01:26:10,890 --> 01:26:15,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But actually, that was a program sponsored by the European Union. 1168 01:26:15,810 --> 01:26:17,810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They were the ones that funded that program. 1169 01:26:18,470 --> 01:26:22,030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Probably, we need one that will include the ombudsman, Your Honor, 1170 01:26:22,630 --> 01:26:25,010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that the wills of justice will grind faster. 1171 01:26:25,810 --> 01:26:29,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And if you ask me, I mean, if we look back in history, 1172 01:26:29,850 --> 01:26:33,750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think I was in law school when EDSA happened. 1173 01:26:33,750 --> 01:26:36,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And if there's one thing that was never touched 1174 01:26:36,410 --> 01:26:40,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with all the EDSAs that happened to this country, 1175 01:26:41,210 --> 01:26:41,970 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's the judiciary. 1176 01:26:42,990 --> 01:26:48,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Never has the judiciary accounted for everything that they've been doing. 1177 01:26:49,210 --> 01:26:51,550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is something that we have to examine as a country. 1178 01:26:52,150 --> 01:26:59,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because when businessmen come in to invest and create jobs 1179 01:26:59,510 --> 01:27:01,750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and give progress to the country, 1180 01:27:02,190 --> 01:27:03,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: when a case is thrown, 1181 01:27:03,750 --> 01:27:06,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and a monkey wrench is thrown into the business, 1182 01:27:06,710 --> 01:27:09,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there's no certainty that the case will be finished 1183 01:27:09,850 --> 01:27:11,210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: within a certain amount of time. 1184 01:27:11,770 --> 01:27:15,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is something that has to be addressed also by our people, 1185 01:27:15,310 --> 01:27:17,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: by the senior members of the Supreme Court 1186 01:27:17,730 --> 01:27:21,570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: about how fast can justice roll, the wills of justice roll. 1187 01:27:22,370 --> 01:27:27,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually a problem that has been there for the longest time. 1188 01:27:27,950 --> 01:27:30,210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to be said openly. 1189 01:27:30,490 --> 01:27:32,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm daring to do this, Your Honor, 1190 01:27:32,110 --> 01:27:33,650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because I have no more. 1191 01:27:33,750 --> 01:27:34,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I have no more aspirations. 1192 01:27:34,450 --> 01:27:38,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: This is the job I want for myself and for the country 1193 01:27:38,990 --> 01:27:41,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to finish this job, Your Honor. 1194 01:27:41,730 --> 01:27:45,210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And that's why things that have been left unsaid 1195 01:27:45,210 --> 01:27:48,170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: are being said now because it has to happen. 1196 01:27:48,630 --> 01:27:51,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If we're able to cure our justice system 1197 01:27:51,770 --> 01:27:53,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and make it function properly, 1198 01:27:53,750 --> 01:27:55,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we will be a much better country, Your Honor. 1199 01:27:55,770 --> 01:27:57,530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will be a much, much better country. 1200 01:27:58,670 --> 01:28:01,190 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: With your coordination, what's the feedback? 1201 01:28:01,190 --> 01:28:02,650 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I heard you say na meron 1202 01:28:02,650 --> 01:28:03,190 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: you have a... 1203 01:28:03,750 --> 01:28:05,750 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Coordination or that committee. 1204 01:28:06,430 --> 01:28:08,030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Now, what's the feedback from the judiciary? 1205 01:28:08,430 --> 01:28:08,770 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Are they all... 1206 01:28:08,770 --> 01:28:11,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, I usually speak to my classmates. 1207 01:28:11,210 --> 01:28:12,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I usually speak to my classmates, 1208 01:28:12,790 --> 01:28:14,910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. 1209 01:28:15,470 --> 01:28:18,190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Of course, sometimes he questions me about speaking out 1210 01:28:18,190 --> 01:28:20,090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: about these things that I'm saying. 1211 01:28:20,710 --> 01:28:21,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to be said. 1212 01:28:22,410 --> 01:28:23,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We cannot hold this back anymore. 1213 01:28:24,010 --> 01:28:27,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I mean, how many times do you have in your life 1214 01:28:27,930 --> 01:28:28,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to serve as ombudsman 1215 01:28:28,990 --> 01:28:32,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and give your critique of what's happening in society? 1216 01:28:33,050 --> 01:28:33,630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it is a role... 1217 01:28:33,630 --> 01:28:34,790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is a role that was given to us. 1218 01:28:36,030 --> 01:28:39,150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that probably I may be cautioned, 1219 01:28:39,190 --> 01:28:40,930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but the message arrives. 1220 01:28:41,570 --> 01:28:46,130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I'm sure that I have distressed our Chief Justice 1221 01:28:46,130 --> 01:28:47,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: many times with my remarks. 1222 01:28:48,330 --> 01:28:49,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to happen. 1223 01:28:49,470 --> 01:28:50,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It has to be done, Your Honor. 1224 01:28:51,070 --> 01:28:53,830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm doing this at great risk probably to many lawyers. 1225 01:28:54,370 --> 01:28:57,370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They will not even think about doing something like this. 1226 01:28:57,710 --> 01:28:59,710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But I think I've arrived at the point 1227 01:28:59,710 --> 01:29:02,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: where this has to be said properly, Your Honor, 1228 01:29:02,750 --> 01:29:03,450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in order to make it happen. 1229 01:29:03,450 --> 01:29:04,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: In open court, in open session, 1230 01:29:05,810 --> 01:29:10,550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that people will know what ails us 1231 01:29:10,550 --> 01:29:12,770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel 1232 01:29:12,770 --> 01:29:14,110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we really look at it. 1233 01:29:14,690 --> 01:29:16,070 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And that is one of them, Your Honor, 1234 01:29:16,190 --> 01:29:17,730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: is to be able to correct 1235 01:29:17,730 --> 01:29:21,570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and then make efficient the wheels of justice, Your Honor. 1236 01:29:23,130 --> 01:29:24,870 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I support that, Ombudsman. 1237 01:29:25,170 --> 01:29:31,670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And like mga ano lang, in the ordinary day-to-day activities 1238 01:29:32,350 --> 01:29:33,050 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of our country, 1239 01:29:33,450 --> 01:29:33,950 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: our constituents, 1240 01:29:34,770 --> 01:29:36,670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: especially in public service, 1241 01:29:38,010 --> 01:29:39,850 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kagaya po sa mga kapitan, 1242 01:29:40,590 --> 01:29:42,090 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: iyan diretso sa tao iyan. 1243 01:29:42,830 --> 01:29:45,570 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And pag nagsumbong ang tao sa Ombudsman 1244 01:29:45,570 --> 01:29:48,070 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: or sa ibang mga government agencies, 1245 01:29:48,190 --> 01:29:50,970 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kung hindi nag-function yung accountability mechanism natin, 1246 01:29:51,610 --> 01:29:55,230 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: when I say accountability, lahat ito, 1247 01:29:55,410 --> 01:29:57,450 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: from the Ombudsman to the judiciary, 1248 01:29:58,910 --> 01:29:59,450 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: hindi naman 1249 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:03,940 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: nadedehado yung respondent 1250 01:30:03,940 --> 01:30:05,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: o yung nakusahan. 1251 01:30:05,180 --> 01:30:07,140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Nadedehado yung taong bayan. 1252 01:30:07,540 --> 01:30:09,100 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Sila ang nadedehado dito. 1253 01:30:09,680 --> 01:30:11,260 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kaya I really support 1254 01:30:11,260 --> 01:30:13,620 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: making our 1255 01:30:13,620 --> 01:30:14,940 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: wills of justice efficient. 1256 01:30:15,220 --> 01:30:17,340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And that's what hopefully we can 1257 01:30:17,340 --> 01:30:19,360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: contribute 1258 01:30:19,360 --> 01:30:21,040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: during the budget season. 1259 01:30:21,460 --> 01:30:23,420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: In all aspects, in all agencies 1260 01:30:23,420 --> 01:30:23,980 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: as well. 1261 01:30:25,080 --> 01:30:26,020 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you, Your Honor. 1262 01:30:26,420 --> 01:30:29,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I have a few items in the budget 1263 01:30:29,180 --> 01:30:31,500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: that I want to ask. 1264 01:30:33,200 --> 01:30:35,340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I asked this last year, but I 1265 01:30:35,340 --> 01:30:37,420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: saw an increase in 1266 01:30:37,420 --> 01:30:39,400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the development and implementation 1267 01:30:39,400 --> 01:30:41,740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of integrity promotion programs 1268 01:30:41,740 --> 01:30:43,580 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to generate a critical 1269 01:30:43,580 --> 01:30:45,760 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: mass of anti-corruption advocates 1270 01:30:45,760 --> 01:30:47,600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: in the campaign against 1271 01:30:47,600 --> 01:30:48,900 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: official abuse. 1272 01:30:49,520 --> 01:30:52,140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: From 44 million to 148 1273 01:30:52,140 --> 01:30:52,480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: million. 1274 01:30:54,280 --> 01:30:55,540 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Can you give us 1275 01:30:55,540 --> 01:30:58,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: a preview on 1276 01:30:58,960 --> 01:31:00,900 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: why this program 1277 01:31:00,900 --> 01:31:02,440 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: increased? And I support this 1278 01:31:02,440 --> 01:31:04,200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: because obviously 1279 01:31:04,200 --> 01:31:07,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: fighting corruption 1280 01:31:07,180 --> 01:31:09,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: comes with promoting 1281 01:31:09,180 --> 01:31:10,220 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: anti-corruption. 1282 01:31:10,820 --> 01:31:12,920 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Making sure that if we can promote it 1283 01:31:12,920 --> 01:31:14,460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to our students, it's better 1284 01:31:14,460 --> 01:31:16,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: for them to know the consequences 1285 01:31:17,600 --> 01:31:19,740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: before they enter the government service. 1286 01:31:20,000 --> 01:31:20,420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And also 1287 01:31:20,420 --> 01:31:22,480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the noble 1288 01:31:22,480 --> 01:31:24,860 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: philosophy 1289 01:31:24,860 --> 01:31:26,480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of going into public service. 1290 01:31:26,480 --> 01:31:27,500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So, I just want to get 1291 01:31:27,500 --> 01:31:28,740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: feedback. 1292 01:31:28,960 --> 01:31:30,800 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: On why this program increased 1293 01:31:30,800 --> 01:31:32,800 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: by almost three-folds. 1294 01:31:33,300 --> 01:31:35,660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, in the Ombudsman's office, 1295 01:31:35,660 --> 01:31:36,860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have a small auditorium 1296 01:31:37,540 --> 01:31:38,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: where we entertain 1297 01:31:39,900 --> 01:31:42,000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: students and advocates 1298 01:31:42,000 --> 01:31:43,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of good governance 1299 01:31:43,840 --> 01:31:45,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to give us a visit so that we can 1300 01:31:45,940 --> 01:31:47,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: have a dialogue and they can observe 1301 01:31:48,100 --> 01:31:49,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: the goings-on in our office. 1302 01:31:50,220 --> 01:31:52,540 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we deem this to be a very effective 1303 01:31:52,540 --> 01:31:53,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: tool, Your Honor, especially 1304 01:31:54,400 --> 01:31:56,100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with young people being brought in. 1305 01:31:57,100 --> 01:31:58,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: People who are in high 1306 01:31:58,960 --> 01:32:02,300 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: school, whose minds 1307 01:32:02,300 --> 01:32:05,140 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who are in their formative years, 1308 01:32:05,140 --> 01:32:07,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: can be able to absorb the ideas 1309 01:32:07,200 --> 01:32:10,660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of fighting corruption very early. 1310 01:32:10,660 --> 01:32:12,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It has to start, I mean, 1311 01:32:12,940 --> 01:32:14,940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, if we can do this as a program 1312 01:32:14,940 --> 01:32:17,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in our educational system, 1313 01:32:17,580 --> 01:32:20,980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think we would really be a better country. 1314 01:32:20,980 --> 01:32:23,440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that has to start from the youth. 1315 01:32:23,440 --> 01:32:27,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's like when we marvel at the Japanese children 1316 01:32:27,580 --> 01:32:28,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: walking to school, 1317 01:32:28,960 --> 01:32:33,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: unaccompanied by parents without any assistance, 1318 01:32:33,040 --> 01:32:35,500 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because the culture has been created to do that. 1319 01:32:35,500 --> 01:32:37,740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that we can create in our country 1320 01:32:37,740 --> 01:32:42,900 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to start them young in trying to fight corruption 1321 01:32:42,900 --> 01:32:45,780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and to be able to know the concept of corruption 1322 01:32:45,780 --> 01:32:47,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: as a bad concept, Your Honor. 1323 01:32:48,940 --> 01:32:50,980 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you for that, Ombudsman. 1324 01:32:50,980 --> 01:32:52,540 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I really support that. 1325 01:32:52,540 --> 01:32:56,040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: If we can open the eyes and minds of our students 1326 01:32:56,040 --> 01:32:58,840 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: in not being in integrity, 1327 01:32:58,960 --> 01:32:59,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: and fighting corruption, 1328 01:32:59,960 --> 01:33:04,080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I think that is the best direction. 1329 01:33:04,080 --> 01:33:09,280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And is this program directed towards that? 1330 01:33:09,280 --> 01:33:11,080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung mga sa mga bata? 1331 01:33:11,080 --> 01:33:14,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. 1332 01:33:14,200 --> 01:33:16,200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Actually, meron akong anecdote. 1333 01:33:16,200 --> 01:33:17,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Nakwento ko ito sa ating chairman eh. 1334 01:33:17,960 --> 01:33:21,600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Pag may mga lumalapit sa akin 1335 01:33:21,600 --> 01:33:25,240 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: humihingi ng job recommendation sa gobyerno, 1336 01:33:25,240 --> 01:33:28,080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: ang pinipili nila kaagad customs. 1337 01:33:28,080 --> 01:33:28,880 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: No. 1338 01:33:28,880 --> 01:33:29,440 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Halos lahat. 1339 01:33:29,440 --> 01:33:30,080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Sabi ko sa inyo, halos lahat 1340 01:33:30,080 --> 01:33:34,120 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: ng recommendation customs. 1341 01:33:34,120 --> 01:33:36,400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: But the recommendation is for the wrong reason. 1342 01:33:36,400 --> 01:33:42,360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And I made that example because itong mga batang ito na naghahanap ng trabaho, 1343 01:33:42,360 --> 01:33:44,160 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: wrong reasons yung kanilang iniisip. 1344 01:33:44,160 --> 01:33:45,000 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Bakit customs? 1345 01:33:45,000 --> 01:33:51,200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Bakit hindi sa DOST or sa ibang mga agencies? 1346 01:33:51,200 --> 01:33:58,080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So that's why mas maganda kung maaga pa lang eh natuturuan na natin sila. 1347 01:33:58,080 --> 01:33:59,360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung kultura nila maiba, 1348 01:33:59,360 --> 01:34:01,400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: yung kanilang pag-iisip. 1349 01:34:01,400 --> 01:34:04,040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, I also encountered the same. 1350 01:34:04,040 --> 01:34:10,120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I had the same experience as somebody working for government. 1351 01:34:10,120 --> 01:34:14,920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Not only customs, but immigration is another target for many of them. 1352 01:34:14,920 --> 01:34:17,560 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: LTO is another target for many of them. 1353 01:34:17,560 --> 01:34:20,760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The revenue-generating agencies actually attract a lot of... 1354 01:34:20,760 --> 01:34:22,360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And BIR, Your Honor. 1355 01:34:22,360 --> 01:34:23,400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The BIR. 1356 01:34:23,400 --> 01:34:25,760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's... 1357 01:34:25,760 --> 01:34:27,400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we know that it's possible 1358 01:34:27,400 --> 01:34:28,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to change the 1359 01:34:28,200 --> 01:34:29,320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: culture. 1360 01:34:29,360 --> 01:34:30,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor. 1361 01:34:30,520 --> 01:34:35,400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that we have succeeded to a certain extent in the Bureau of Immigration. 1362 01:34:35,400 --> 01:34:38,640 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think we were able to improve it when I was Secretary of Justice. 1363 01:34:38,640 --> 01:34:41,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The way that it's run, the way that people behave themselves, 1364 01:34:41,680 --> 01:34:43,520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: the way that they comport themselves. 1365 01:34:43,520 --> 01:34:46,600 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think it can be done with the proper leadership, Your Honor. 1366 01:34:46,600 --> 01:34:47,640 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Ambudsman. 1367 01:34:47,640 --> 01:34:48,960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 1368 01:34:48,960 --> 01:34:50,600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: That's it for me. 1369 01:34:50,600 --> 01:34:51,480 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. 1370 01:34:51,480 --> 01:34:55,000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Siguro we just have a few questions. 1371 01:34:55,000 --> 01:34:55,880 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Lacson. 1372 01:34:55,880 --> 01:34:56,200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yes. 1373 01:34:56,200 --> 01:34:57,480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Gusto ko lang makuha yung official 1374 01:34:57,480 --> 01:34:58,480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: position ng Ombudsman doon sa... 1375 01:34:58,480 --> 01:34:59,200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi nag-pass kami ng 1376 01:34:59,200 --> 01:35:00,400 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act. 1377 01:35:00,400 --> 01:35:05,080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Because we passed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act. 1378 01:35:05,080 --> 01:35:09,160 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Of course, guaranteed naman talaga sa Constitution yung fiscal autonomy. 1379 01:35:09,160 --> 01:35:11,200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pero ito na-strengthen pa. 1380 01:35:11,200 --> 01:35:16,080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But again, ano yung official position ninyo if we enact a similar law 1381 01:35:16,080 --> 01:35:24,390 Senator Panfilo Lacson: that mirrors the statutory powers, yung fiscal autonomy ng judiciary? 1382 01:35:24,390 --> 01:35:28,630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, we have to... 1383 01:35:28,630 --> 01:35:29,950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm in favor of that, Your Honor. 1384 01:35:29,950 --> 01:35:30,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That the judiciary should 1385 01:35:30,470 --> 01:35:30,870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: have fiscal autonomy. 1386 01:35:30,870 --> 01:35:32,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Before that happens, 1387 01:35:32,510 --> 01:35:37,990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But before that happens, we have to be able to ask them the tough questions 1388 01:35:37,990 --> 01:35:40,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that have to be answered, Your Honor. 1389 01:35:40,350 --> 01:35:47,630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because if we isolate the judiciary to the point where they become so independent, 1390 01:35:47,630 --> 01:35:51,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we might be disappointed. 1391 01:35:51,350 --> 01:35:55,430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We just want things to be right when we start this, Your Honor. 1392 01:35:55,430 --> 01:35:58,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I was referring to the Ombudsman getting the same statutory protection. 1393 01:35:58,590 --> 01:35:59,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Magkaroon din kayo, 1394 01:35:59,790 --> 01:36:00,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi pagka merong fiscal autonomy, 1395 01:36:00,470 --> 01:36:08,990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung parang full fiscal autonomy, not just in the implementation, 1396 01:36:08,990 --> 01:36:11,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but in the proposal. 1397 01:36:11,450 --> 01:36:17,350 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But I notice also, kasi in spite of the passage of that law, 1398 01:36:17,350 --> 01:36:23,190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na binibigyan na ng complete fiscal autonomy ang judiciary, nabawasan pa rin sila sa NEP eh. 1399 01:36:23,190 --> 01:36:26,630 Senator Panfilo Lacson: What they proposed. That's why that is an issue that I'd like to raise. 1400 01:36:26,630 --> 01:36:34,490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Hindi ko lang ni-raise sa DBCC, Mr. President, na bakit nagpasa tayo ng law, may fiscal autonomy, 1401 01:36:34,490 --> 01:36:41,010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: meaning sila na yung nagpe-prepare ng kanilang NEP, at bahala na yung Congress 1402 01:36:41,010 --> 01:36:48,530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kung anong gagawin by our power of review and oversight, at saka yung pag-review ng National 1403 01:36:48,530 --> 01:36:49,530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Expenditure Program. 1404 01:36:49,530 --> 01:36:51,530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kami na magre-review. 1405 01:36:51,530 --> 01:36:56,610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ang nangyari, I think it was slashed by two billion yata, 1406 01:36:56,610 --> 01:36:59,750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: o three billion eh, as proposed. 1407 01:36:59,750 --> 01:37:01,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So where's the fiscal autonomy? 1408 01:37:01,590 --> 01:37:06,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So now I'm asking the official position of the Ombudsman, if the same statutory protection 1409 01:37:06,650 --> 01:37:14,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa inyong fiscal autonomy will be granted, para lang ma-enhance yung inyong integrity, independence 1410 01:37:14,670 --> 01:37:17,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pagdating sa budgeting process. 1411 01:37:17,470 --> 01:37:19,890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, we can use that, Your Honor. 1412 01:37:19,890 --> 01:37:22,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is going to be good for us if we're able to do that. 1413 01:37:22,470 --> 01:37:26,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But of course, we will have to be transparent about everything we do. 1414 01:37:26,470 --> 01:37:31,610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it's the last moral compass that we have in government, so it has to be transparent, 1415 01:37:31,610 --> 01:37:32,610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Your Honor. 1416 01:37:32,610 --> 01:37:33,610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mahirap din eh. 1417 01:37:33,610 --> 01:37:37,150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pag walang fiscal autonomy, at least sa implementation, sa paggastos, okay yun eh. 1418 01:37:37,150 --> 01:37:41,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pero sa proposal, you're at the mercy of the DBCC. 1419 01:37:41,790 --> 01:37:47,150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So tulad niyo, nag-propose kayo ng 12 billion plus, 12.8, something like that, 1420 01:37:47,150 --> 01:37:50,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pero ang cut 45% eh. 1421 01:37:50,650 --> 01:37:52,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So yun lang. 1422 01:37:52,550 --> 01:37:53,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I'm just thinking. 1423 01:37:53,550 --> 01:37:54,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi binigyan na namin, 1424 01:37:54,590 --> 01:37:55,590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I think, 1425 01:37:55,590 --> 01:37:56,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: [unclear], 1426 01:38:00,470 --> 01:38:01,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun ang 1427 01:38:01,470 --> 01:38:02,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: RA number 1428 01:38:02,470 --> 01:38:03,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa Judiciary 1429 01:38:03,470 --> 01:38:04,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Fiscal Autonomy 1430 01:38:04,470 --> 01:38:05,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Act. 1431 01:38:05,470 --> 01:38:06,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So ang 1432 01:38:06,470 --> 01:38:07,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: official 1433 01:38:07,470 --> 01:38:08,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: position ninyo is 1434 01:38:08,470 --> 01:38:09,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for that? 1435 01:38:09,470 --> 01:38:10,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yeah. 1436 01:38:10,470 --> 01:38:11,470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 1437 01:38:11,470 --> 01:38:12,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes. 1438 01:38:12,470 --> 01:38:13,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. 1439 01:38:13,470 --> 01:38:18,390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Lacson, actually, the Office of the Ombudsman complies itong budget, 2027, 1440 01:38:18,390 --> 01:38:25,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: with the requirement under Section 38 of RA 6770, which states that 1441 01:38:25,610 --> 01:38:27,610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the Office of the Ombudsman 1442 01:38:27,610 --> 01:38:29,930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: shall enjoy fiscal autonomy 1443 01:38:29,930 --> 01:38:31,670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in its appropriations. We can just 1444 01:38:31,670 --> 01:38:33,470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: enhance, no? 1445 01:38:33,470 --> 01:38:34,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: That's already in the Constitution, I think 1446 01:38:34,550 --> 01:38:36,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Article XI? 1447 01:38:38,250 --> 01:38:38,970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: That's correct. 1448 01:38:39,350 --> 01:38:40,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Section 14 ba yan? Anyway, 1449 01:38:41,310 --> 01:38:43,930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nandiyan na yun, pero ang nire-refer ko 1450 01:38:43,930 --> 01:38:44,910 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa proposal, 1451 01:38:45,690 --> 01:38:47,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi yung fiscal autonomy nila is in 1452 01:38:47,650 --> 01:38:49,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the implementation, sa execution ng 1453 01:38:49,550 --> 01:38:52,150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: budget, pero hindi covered yung proposal. 1454 01:38:52,450 --> 01:38:53,650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But then I'm wondering, 1455 01:38:53,650 --> 01:38:55,290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: meron na nga sa Judiciary, 1456 01:38:55,410 --> 01:38:57,450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kinat pa rin ng DBCC. 1457 01:38:58,050 --> 01:38:59,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So where's the fiscal autonomy 1458 01:38:59,670 --> 01:39:02,250 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa proposal? Dapat Congress 1459 01:39:02,250 --> 01:39:03,050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na yung magre-review. 1460 01:39:03,650 --> 01:39:04,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Hindi na kayo dadaan sa 1461 01:39:04,790 --> 01:39:07,670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: budget call. You'll still be 1462 01:39:07,670 --> 01:39:09,370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: reporting to the DBCC 1463 01:39:09,370 --> 01:39:11,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for processing or 1464 01:39:11,730 --> 01:39:13,550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: vetting. So, anyway, 1465 01:39:13,830 --> 01:39:15,730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: May power naman yung Congress. 1466 01:39:15,730 --> 01:39:17,790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kami naman yung so-called power of the purse, 1467 01:39:17,890 --> 01:39:18,310 Senator Panfilo Lacson: maski hindi... 1468 01:39:20,550 --> 01:39:21,430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi hindi naman kami 1469 01:39:21,430 --> 01:39:22,230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nag-i-implement eh. 1470 01:39:23,150 --> 01:39:23,590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sorry. 1471 01:39:23,650 --> 01:39:25,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Probably, a test would be 1472 01:39:25,330 --> 01:39:26,350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: absorptive capacity. 1473 01:39:27,130 --> 01:39:29,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The capacity to 1474 01:39:29,510 --> 01:39:31,510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: spend the money has to be 1475 01:39:31,510 --> 01:39:33,470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there when we approve these 1476 01:39:33,470 --> 01:39:35,050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: things. Because I think that's the 1477 01:39:35,050 --> 01:39:37,310 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if I put my mind in the 1478 01:39:37,310 --> 01:39:39,010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: myself in the seat of the executive, 1479 01:39:39,590 --> 01:39:41,330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's just clearly wasting 1480 01:39:41,330 --> 01:39:43,410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: resources if they ask for too much 1481 01:39:43,410 --> 01:39:44,850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and they're not able to spend it, Your Honor. 1482 01:39:48,720 --> 01:39:49,160 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator 1483 01:39:49,160 --> 01:39:50,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: President Pro Temp? 1484 01:39:51,060 --> 01:39:52,020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay na, Senator Lacson? 1485 01:39:53,020 --> 01:39:54,100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Senate President Pro Tempore, 1486 01:39:54,100 --> 01:39:55,420 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: If you're 1487 01:39:55,440 --> 01:39:58,140 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: if you're done with that topic 1488 01:39:58,140 --> 01:40:00,300 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: before, before we move 1489 01:40:00,300 --> 01:40:02,100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for the approval of the budget of 1490 01:40:02,100 --> 01:40:04,120 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: the Ombudsman, subject, of 1491 01:40:04,120 --> 01:40:05,460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: course, to the amendments that are 1492 01:40:05,460 --> 01:40:06,460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: being proposed. 1493 01:40:07,380 --> 01:40:09,120 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Just out of curiosity, 1494 01:40:11,160 --> 01:40:13,080 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: you might not be aware, but 1495 01:40:13,080 --> 01:40:14,460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I watch the two of you every 1496 01:40:14,460 --> 01:40:15,460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Saturday. 1497 01:40:16,660 --> 01:40:18,540 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And my wife 1498 01:40:18,540 --> 01:40:20,520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: is a fan of your, what 1499 01:40:20,520 --> 01:40:22,080 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: do you call that, executive session? 1500 01:40:22,080 --> 01:40:23,100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: No. 1501 01:40:23,100 --> 01:40:25,380 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: One time you were quoted 1502 01:40:25,440 --> 01:40:27,800 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: to say that ang tindi ng corruption 1503 01:40:27,800 --> 01:40:29,140 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: sa basura ng LGU. 1504 01:40:29,140 --> 01:40:39,820 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: How do they do that? I'm interested because 1505 01:40:39,820 --> 01:40:42,040 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I have friends in the LGU 1506 01:40:42,040 --> 01:40:44,660 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that are interested to find out how they 1507 01:40:45,520 --> 01:40:45,980 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: will be able to stop it. 1508 01:40:45,980 --> 01:40:47,960 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Ombudsman? 1509 01:40:47,960 --> 01:40:51,920 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: or stop it with the Ombudsman. 1510 01:40:51,920 --> 01:40:54,100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, may mga character tayo sa society 1511 01:40:54,100 --> 01:40:57,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na basura king eh. The big haulers are basura kings, Your Honor. 1512 01:40:58,080 --> 01:41:03,400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And they're here in Manila, in Metro Manila, in Manila, City of Manila, everywhere. 1513 01:41:04,320 --> 01:41:12,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the tragedy, Your Honor, is that the work of the DENR is never started or finished 1514 01:41:12,680 --> 01:41:17,780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because the garbage hauling begins with local government and nothing is followed. 1515 01:41:19,280 --> 01:41:22,280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Segregation, proper sanitary landfills. 1516 01:41:22,280 --> 01:41:25,860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Everything becomes a dump, Your Honor. 1517 01:41:26,280 --> 01:41:26,960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's the problem. 1518 01:41:28,860 --> 01:41:35,240 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But probably the DNR should have a bigger hand in it so that things will be better. 1519 01:41:35,240 --> 01:41:44,220 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But as long as what they do is to dump the trash in specific places that they are able to contract with, 1520 01:41:46,740 --> 01:41:48,220 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's big money for them, Your Honor. 1521 01:41:48,700 --> 01:41:53,720 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because the budgets for basura is so big that 1522 01:41:53,720 --> 01:41:58,580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it can blind a lot of people into just making money out of it. 1523 01:41:59,100 --> 01:42:02,380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that for those who have been in politics for a long time, 1524 01:42:02,720 --> 01:42:03,880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we've seen it happen, Your Honor. 1525 01:42:04,460 --> 01:42:07,420 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: These basura kings are around the metropolis, Your Honor. 1526 01:42:08,700 --> 01:42:10,480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And also nationwide. 1527 01:42:11,440 --> 01:42:12,260 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Nationwide, Your Honor. 1528 01:42:14,600 --> 01:42:18,600 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually, when I started talking about this basura, 1529 01:42:19,160 --> 01:42:23,540 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think it touched a lot of raw nerves because we know it to be true, I think. 1530 01:42:23,720 --> 01:42:24,680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We know it to be true, Your Honor. 1531 01:42:25,500 --> 01:42:36,320 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And would you have anyone in the Ombudsman that would give some local government officials 1532 01:42:36,320 --> 01:42:45,400 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: how they are going about the pattern and saan kumikita, saan natataga yung mga kababayan natin? 1533 01:42:46,200 --> 01:42:48,800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will create a special investigative team for this, Your Honor. 1534 01:42:49,200 --> 01:42:49,800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will do it. 1535 01:42:49,940 --> 01:42:51,960 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. Thank you very much. Thank you for that. 1536 01:42:51,960 --> 01:42:52,620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you. 1537 01:42:52,620 --> 01:42:53,600 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Napag-usapan niyong basura. 1538 01:42:53,720 --> 01:42:55,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I was tempted to inquire about the Taguig. 1539 01:42:57,840 --> 01:43:00,700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Baka mapagbintangan ako, nagde-demolition job. 1540 01:43:00,760 --> 01:43:07,020 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, we're quietly but surely assisting the Ombudsman in this regard, 1541 01:43:07,020 --> 01:43:09,740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi I understand the complexity of the problem, 1542 01:43:10,340 --> 01:43:12,780 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung volume ng mga graft and corruption cases. 1543 01:43:13,140 --> 01:43:15,240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yung office nga lang namin, Mr. Ombudsman, 1544 01:43:16,100 --> 01:43:21,280 Senator Panfilo Lacson: case studies lang ang pinaggugulan namin ng panahon, pero ubos talaga oras namin. 1545 01:43:21,280 --> 01:43:23,700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Case studies in Bulacan, 1546 01:43:23,840 --> 01:43:26,880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: case studies in Mindoro and in Taguig. 1547 01:43:27,080 --> 01:43:28,520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Hirap na hirap na yung mga staff. 1548 01:43:28,520 --> 01:43:32,580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: What more na swarmed by so many cases ang Ombudsman, 1549 01:43:32,580 --> 01:43:38,700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: very complex, hindi lang flood control, all sorts of graft and corruption cases. 1550 01:43:39,100 --> 01:43:43,960 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So that's why we are really very supportive of the efforts of the Ombudsman 1551 01:43:44,400 --> 01:43:49,500 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and in whatever capacity na makatulong kami, like the judicial marshal service, 1552 01:43:49,920 --> 01:43:53,240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung fiscal autonomy, etcetera. 1553 01:43:53,240 --> 01:43:53,680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, he says, 1554 01:43:53,680 --> 01:44:02,100 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So rest assured that the Senate, under the leadership of the Senate President, will be foursquare behind the efforts of the Ombudsman. 1555 01:44:03,000 --> 01:44:03,600 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Your Honor. 1556 01:44:05,480 --> 01:44:06,100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Chairman. 1557 01:44:07,200 --> 01:44:15,680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, before the Senate President, I would like to acknowledge also the presence of our Blue Ribbon Chair, Senator Erwin Tulfo. 1558 01:44:15,780 --> 01:44:16,780 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, sir, for joining us. 1559 01:44:16,780 --> 01:44:20,040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Mr. Chairman, just a brief intervention lang. 1560 01:44:20,040 --> 01:44:30,360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I was looking at itong corruption index scores natin, corruption perception index. 1561 01:44:31,200 --> 01:44:45,320 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And sad to say, in the last three years, bumagsak yung ating ranking, from 144, the lowest rank being the least corrupt. 1562 01:44:45,320 --> 01:44:49,280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: From 144 rank naging 120 rank na tayo. 1563 01:44:50,040 --> 01:45:00,000 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And we're now the third most corrupt in Southeast Asia, next to Myanmar and Cambodia, which are... 1564 01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:02,640 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: alam naman natin, are junta states. 1565 01:45:02,920 --> 01:45:12,660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So there is really a very big challenge for all of us to improve the perception of corruption in our country. 1566 01:45:13,160 --> 01:45:14,340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Apektado tayo lahat eh. 1567 01:45:14,740 --> 01:45:20,180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: In fact, one of the reasons bakit mahina ang peso, dahil walang demand sa peso. 1568 01:45:20,640 --> 01:45:22,280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Walang nag-i-invest sa ating bansa. 1569 01:45:23,300 --> 01:45:28,900 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kasama na dito rin itong, of course, ease of doing business and also the perception of corruption. 1570 01:45:28,900 --> 01:45:32,500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So it's really a big challenge for all of us. 1571 01:45:33,120 --> 01:45:36,260 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And that is why I second the statement of Senator Lacson na 1572 01:45:36,580 --> 01:45:42,140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: whatever we can do to help the Ombudsman, even the judiciary, to fight corruption, we will do it. 1573 01:45:42,820 --> 01:45:52,400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Because it affects our country, it affects our OFWs, it affects even the most ordinary Filipino. 1574 01:45:52,860 --> 01:45:55,300 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So kailangan talaga magtulong-tulong tayo diyan. 1575 01:45:56,640 --> 01:45:57,460 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, sir. 1576 01:45:58,900 --> 01:46:03,120 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Our Blue Ribbon Chair is also here. 1577 01:46:03,280 --> 01:46:04,220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you for joining us. 1578 01:46:04,540 --> 01:46:06,580 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Erwin Tulfo, you now have the floor. 1579 01:46:12,460 --> 01:46:16,240 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Anyway, I don't know, Mr. Chair, if this was already asked. 1580 01:46:16,240 --> 01:46:18,700 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Ito lang po nakita ko, napansin kanina dito. 1581 01:46:19,340 --> 01:46:22,700 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Itong total number of authorized positions, Mr. Chair. 1582 01:46:23,440 --> 01:46:28,240 Senator Erwin Tulfo: 2,439 po nire-request po ng authorized positions. 1583 01:46:28,900 --> 01:46:33,120 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Pero ang filled positions lamang ay 1,192. 1584 01:46:33,400 --> 01:46:43,040 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Dito po sa 2,439, Mr. Chair, Ombudsman, karamihan po ba nito ay mga investigators po ninyo? 1585 01:46:43,300 --> 01:46:44,580 Senator Erwin Tulfo: You would need lawyers? 1586 01:46:46,040 --> 01:46:48,100 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Sa anong mga positions po ito? 1587 01:46:48,820 --> 01:46:52,080 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will need more lawyers and technical investigators, Your Honor. 1588 01:46:52,420 --> 01:46:58,120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Engineers who can educate us about infrastructure fraud, infrastructure corruption. 1589 01:46:58,900 --> 01:47:05,500 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And other specialists, Your Honor, who are good at investigating different kinds of crimes, Your Honor. 1590 01:47:06,160 --> 01:47:08,160 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Mga normal positions po ito. 1591 01:47:08,160 --> 01:47:09,400 Senator Erwin Tulfo: I mean regular po. 1592 01:47:09,920 --> 01:47:11,500 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Regular positions po ito. 1593 01:47:11,500 --> 01:47:17,600 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Hindi po ito yung basta-bastang mga contractual employees. 1594 01:47:17,920 --> 01:47:18,200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor. 1595 01:47:18,300 --> 01:47:19,460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They are plantilla positions. 1596 01:47:19,760 --> 01:47:20,220 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Plantilla positions. 1597 01:47:20,240 --> 01:47:20,620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. 1598 01:47:20,840 --> 01:47:21,180 Senator Erwin Tulfo: All right. 1599 01:47:21,300 --> 01:47:21,820 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Thank you po. 1600 01:47:22,200 --> 01:47:22,940 Senator Erwin Tulfo: That's all, Mr. Chair. 1601 01:47:23,640 --> 01:47:26,000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, Senator Tulfo. 1602 01:47:26,680 --> 01:47:27,040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise. 1603 01:47:27,040 --> 01:47:29,220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Isang tanong na lang. 1604 01:47:29,340 --> 01:47:34,340 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yung tungkol sa Resident Ombudsman Program, what is the current status of the Resident Ombudsman Program, 1605 01:47:34,540 --> 01:47:39,540 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: including the number of active resident ombudsmen, their deployment across agencies, 1606 01:47:39,700 --> 01:47:43,860 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and the key accomplishments or challenges encountered recently? 1607 01:47:44,320 --> 01:47:47,560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Siguro, Assistant Ombudsman Bonoan, please. 1608 01:47:48,080 --> 01:47:54,280 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Your Honor, actually, during this administration, we have reactivated the Bureau of the Resident Ombudsman, 1609 01:47:54,280 --> 01:47:55,840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: which had remained inactive. 1610 01:47:55,840 --> 01:47:57,700 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the last several years. 1611 01:47:58,360 --> 01:48:07,080 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: So, as of today, we have hired an additional 10 lawyers to complement our Bureau of Resident Ombudsman. 1612 01:48:07,280 --> 01:48:15,120 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: And we have plans, sir, after conducting the proper training, of fielding them out in different agencies, 1613 01:48:15,340 --> 01:48:24,820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: particularly the high revenue generating agencies, sir, to investigate and collect complaints from therein. 1614 01:48:25,200 --> 01:48:25,820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Your Honor. 1615 01:48:25,840 --> 01:48:26,380 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Thank you. 1616 01:48:26,800 --> 01:48:27,320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, thank you. 1617 01:48:27,840 --> 01:48:33,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Anyway, before we close, if there are no more questions or queries from our colleagues. 1618 01:48:34,320 --> 01:48:35,840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Senate President Pro Tempore. 1619 01:48:36,440 --> 01:48:37,200 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 1620 01:48:37,360 --> 01:48:44,140 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I move that we submit and approve the budget of the Ombudsman, together with the proposed amendments. 1621 01:48:44,440 --> 01:48:45,200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I second the motion. 1622 01:48:46,080 --> 01:48:50,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Since it has been moved by our Senate President Pro Tempore and seconded, 1623 01:48:50,640 --> 01:48:55,720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the budget of the Office of the Ombudsman is now deemed submitted for the plenary's consideration, 1624 01:48:55,840 --> 01:48:59,440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: subject to the discussion and submission of documents requested. 1625 01:48:59,600 --> 01:49:05,260 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you very much, gentlemen, Ombudsman, and to all the rest of the officials of the Office of the Ombudsman. 1626 01:49:05,360 --> 01:49:05,700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. 1627 01:49:06,080 --> 01:49:07,640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: This briefing is hereby suspended. 1628 01:49:08,280 --> 01:49:08,740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you. 1629 01:49:08,820 --> 01:49:09,280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you, sir.