WEBVTT asr-000001 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 asr-000002 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 asr-000003 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 asr-000004 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 asr-000005 00:20:11.030 --> 00:20:14.190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to acknowledge our esteemed resource persons asr-000005-split-2 00:20:14.190 --> 00:20:16.010 Committee Secretary: thank you mr chair good morning good morning asr-000006 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 asr-000007 00:20:22.030 --> 00:20:26.770 Committee Secretary: the ombudsman we would like to acknowledge our resource persons we have the ombudsman asr-000008 00:20:26.770 --> 00:20:34.190 Committee Secretary: ombudsman jesus crispine remolia deputy ombudsman jose embalmeo jr special prosecutor marie floor asr-000009 00:20:34.190 --> 00:20:40.910 Committee Secretary: punzalan castillo assistant ombudsman adoration agdaba agbada sorry assistant ombudsman jose asr-000010 00:20:40.910 --> 00:20:45.750 Committee Secretary: dominic clavano the fourth assistant ombudsman luis gonzaga bonoan jr asr-000011 00:20:45.750 --> 00:20:52.270 Committee Secretary: assistant ombudsman margaret raiza andaman assistant ombudsman aliceo dc cruz attorney asr-000012 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 asr-000013 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 asr-000014 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 asr-000015 00:21:11.090 --> 00:21:12.530 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you asr-000016 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 asr-000017 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 asr-000018 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 asr-000019 00:21:41.650 --> 00:21:45.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang publiko para sa mabilis patas at independent asr-000020 00:21:45.750 --> 00:21:47.870 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na imbisigasyon at pananagutan asr-000021 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 asr-000022 00:21:51.670 --> 00:21:53.150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang ombudsman asr-000023 00:21:53.150 --> 00:21:56.070 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: kailangan nito magkaroon ng sapat na budget asr-000024 00:21:56.070 --> 00:22:01.210 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: manpower, kagamitan at teknolohiya upang magampanan ng maayos asr-000025 00:22:01.210 --> 00:22:05.030 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang mandato nito bilang pangunahing bantay ng mamamayan asr-000026 00:22:05.030 --> 00:22:08.490 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: laban sa katiwalian at pang-aabuso sa pamalan asr-000027 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 asr-000028 00:22:13.730 --> 00:22:17.710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: hindi lamang ang halaga ng budget ang gusto nating tignan asr-000029 00:22:17.710 --> 00:22:19.670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: kundi kung ano ang magagawa nito asr-000030 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 asr-000031 00:22:25.010 --> 00:22:28.610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: paano nito mapapalakas ang monitoring and enforcement asr-000032 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 asr-000033 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 asr-000034 00:22:41.010 --> 00:22:43.330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: while making sure that every peso translates asr-000035 00:22:43.730 --> 00:22:45.170 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: into stronger accountability asr-000036 00:22:45.170 --> 00:22:47.670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: faster action and greater public trust asr-000037 00:22:47.670 --> 00:22:48.770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: maraming salamat po asr-000038 00:22:48.770 --> 00:22:50.550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: before acknowledging our guests asr-000039 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 asr-000040 00:22:54.450 --> 00:22:57.390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: our President Pro Tempore, Senator Vicente Tito Soto asr-000041 00:22:57.390 --> 00:23:00.970 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: good morning to everyone asr-000042 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 asr-000043 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 asr-000044 00:23:13.730 --> 00:23:14.930 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for their budget asr-000045 00:23:14.930 --> 00:23:17.590 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I'm more interested in finding out asr-000046 00:23:17.590 --> 00:23:21.650 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: whatever happened to the proposal that we create asr-000047 00:23:21.650 --> 00:23:24.450 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that they create a judicial marshal bureau asr-000048 00:23:24.450 --> 00:23:27.950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: so I'd like to know later on asr-000049 00:23:27.950 --> 00:23:29.450 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: how much budget is needed asr-000050 00:23:29.450 --> 00:23:32.990 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: and what is the bill or law that is necessary asr-000051 00:23:32.990 --> 00:23:35.490 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: or an amendment to the law of the ombudsman later asr-000052 00:23:35.490 --> 00:23:37.230 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that's about it asr-000053 00:23:37.230 --> 00:23:39.950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: otherwise I'm here to listen Mr. Chairman asr-000054 00:23:39.950 --> 00:23:42.310 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you our Senate President Pro Tempore asr-000055 00:23:42.310 --> 00:23:43.550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Next is Senator Panfilo Lacson. asr-000056 00:23:43.730 --> 00:23:47.130 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nothing from this representation your honor asr-000057 00:23:47.130 --> 00:23:48.750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: okay thank you asr-000058 00:23:48.750 --> 00:23:50.550 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: for our esteemed colleagues asr-000059 00:23:50.550 --> 00:23:52.250 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: may we now call our ombudsman asr-000060 00:23:52.250 --> 00:23:54.230 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla asr-000061 00:23:54.230 --> 00:23:55.770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to deliver his opening statement asr-000062 00:23:55.770 --> 00:23:58.630 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and likewise to present the 2027 asr-000063 00:23:58.630 --> 00:24:01.410 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: proposed expenditure program asr-000064 00:24:01.410 --> 00:24:03.390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: of the office of the ombudsman asr-000065 00:24:03.390 --> 00:24:05.810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: thank you Mr. Chairman asr-000066 00:24:05.810 --> 00:24:07.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: thank you members of the committee asr-000067 00:24:07.510 --> 00:24:09.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the time given to us asr-000068 00:24:09.790 --> 00:24:12.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to shed light on the budget asr-000069 00:24:12.190 --> 00:24:13.030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that we may need asr-000070 00:24:13.030 --> 00:24:13.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: or that we need to have asr-000071 00:24:13.730 --> 00:24:15.810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the next fiscal year asr-000072 00:24:15.810 --> 00:24:19.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and this job is tough asr-000073 00:24:19.190 --> 00:24:20.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's not easy asr-000074 00:24:20.890 --> 00:24:24.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to gather the facts asr-000075 00:24:24.350 --> 00:24:25.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: gather the evidence asr-000076 00:24:25.670 --> 00:24:26.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and file the cases asr-000077 00:24:26.410 --> 00:24:29.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but we go to work every day asr-000078 00:24:29.110 --> 00:24:32.610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and we get things done every day asr-000079 00:24:32.610 --> 00:24:34.390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but it's a slow process asr-000080 00:24:34.390 --> 00:24:36.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's a process that entails asr-000081 00:24:36.110 --> 00:24:38.070 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: a lot of patience asr-000082 00:24:38.070 --> 00:24:39.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and I hope that asr-000083 00:24:39.470 --> 00:24:42.610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sana ay maunawaan po ng mga mamamayan asr-000084 00:24:42.610 --> 00:24:43.030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na asr-000085 00:24:43.030 --> 00:24:47.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: kinakailangan pong masinop ang aming trabaho asr-000086 00:24:47.150 --> 00:24:49.610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sapagkat ito po ay dadaan pa asr-000087 00:24:49.610 --> 00:24:51.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating sistema ng korte, asr-000088 00:24:51.590 --> 00:24:52.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa sistema ng hustisya natin. asr-000089 00:24:52.710 --> 00:24:54.430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Ito po ay dadaan pa asr-000090 00:24:54.430 --> 00:24:55.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ang aming ginagawa asr-000091 00:24:55.890 --> 00:24:57.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating mga huwes asr-000092 00:24:57.670 --> 00:24:59.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ng Regional Trial Court asr-000093 00:24:59.490 --> 00:25:02.390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at sa mga huwes natin, asr-000094 00:25:02.390 --> 00:25:03.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa mga justice natin asr-000095 00:25:03.650 --> 00:25:05.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa Sandiganbayan. asr-000096 00:25:05.110 --> 00:25:08.610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Kaya ito ang aming pinag-iingatan, asr-000097 00:25:08.610 --> 00:25:10.030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at sa araw-araw asr-000098 00:25:10.030 --> 00:25:11.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na kami po ay pumapasok sa opisina, asr-000099 00:25:11.470 --> 00:25:12.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sinisikap po asr-000100 00:25:12.190 --> 00:25:12.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: naming asr-000101 00:25:12.910 --> 00:25:14.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: pagtibayin ang aming asr-000102 00:25:14.910 --> 00:25:18.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: mga nakikita asr-000103 00:25:18.150 --> 00:25:20.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: na dapat pong ayusin asr-000104 00:25:20.350 --> 00:25:22.530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa ating sistema ng hustisya asr-000105 00:25:22.530 --> 00:25:25.990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: at dito po sa ating mga kasama sa gobyerno. asr-000106 00:25:25.990 --> 00:25:29.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: At upang magbigay po ng liwanag asr-000107 00:25:29.150 --> 00:25:29.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa budget namin, asr-000108 00:25:29.790 --> 00:25:32.370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: andito po si Director Christopher Lim asr-000109 00:25:32.370 --> 00:25:35.390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: upang ibigay po yung mga detalye asr-000110 00:25:35.390 --> 00:25:37.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: ng aming presentasyon. asr-000111 00:25:37.050 --> 00:25:37.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Salamat po. asr-000112 00:25:37.590 --> 00:25:39.450 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Director Christopher Lim asr-000113 00:25:39.450 --> 00:25:40.050 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: is recognized asr-000114 00:25:40.050 --> 00:25:42.030 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Good morning Mr. Chair asr-000115 00:25:42.030 --> 00:25:42.750 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: May I have asr-000117 00:25:42.870 --> 00:25:44.090 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the honor to present to you asr-000118 00:25:44.090 --> 00:25:44.710 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the budget proposal asr-000119 00:25:44.710 --> 00:25:45.350 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Please proceed asr-000120 00:25:45.350 --> 00:25:46.390 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of the Office of the Ombudsman asr-000121 00:25:46.390 --> 00:25:47.610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay asr-000122 00:25:47.610 --> 00:25:50.410 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So the Office of the Ombudsman asr-000123 00:25:50.410 --> 00:25:52.130 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: shall strive to continue asr-000124 00:25:52.130 --> 00:25:53.470 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the faithful performance asr-000125 00:25:53.470 --> 00:25:55.530 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of its constitutional mandate asr-000126 00:25:55.530 --> 00:25:57.790 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: especially as it relates asr-000127 00:25:57.790 --> 00:25:59.150 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: to the fight against corruption asr-000128 00:25:59.150 --> 00:26:00.730 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: through the following measures asr-000129 00:26:00.730 --> 00:26:03.370 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: finding and or case build-up asr-000130 00:26:03.370 --> 00:26:04.290 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: prosecution asr-000131 00:26:04.290 --> 00:26:06.750 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: administrative adjudication asr-000132 00:26:06.750 --> 00:26:08.070 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: grab prevention asr-000133 00:26:08.070 --> 00:26:10.710 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and auxiliary public assistance services asr-000134 00:26:10.710 --> 00:26:14.700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So the recommended budget asr-000135 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 asr-000136 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 asr-000137 00:26:21.120 --> 00:26:24.280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: is 7.232 billion asr-000138 00:26:24.280 --> 00:26:26.860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: including automatic appropriations asr-000139 00:26:26.860 --> 00:26:28.160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: This is in conformity asr-000140 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:30.440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with the pronouncement of the Constitution asr-000141 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:31.980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and its enabling law asr-000142 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:34.080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: RA number 6770 asr-000143 00:26:34.080 --> 00:26:35.780 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: on fiscal autonomy asr-000144 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 asr-000145 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 asr-000146 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:42.480 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: from the previous years asr-000147 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 asr-000148 00:26:44.540 --> 00:26:47.020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of the national expenditure program asr-000149 00:26:47.020 --> 00:26:50.120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of 7.2 trillion asr-000150 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:53.600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So going on to the details asr-000151 00:26:53.600 --> 00:26:55.580 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the details of the recommendation asr-000152 00:26:55.580 --> 00:26:57.040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with comparative figures asr-000153 00:26:57.040 --> 00:26:58.940 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for 2026 current budget asr-000154 00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:01.260 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and 2027 DBM-NEP asr-000155 00:27:01.260 --> 00:27:03.140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: are summarized on the screen asr-000156 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:05.980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So for personnel services asr-000157 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:10.340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: the amount is 3,760,765,000 asr-000158 00:27:10.340 --> 00:27:12.600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 52% asr-000159 00:27:12.600 --> 00:27:14.540 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for maintenance and other operating expenses asr-000160 00:27:14.540 --> 00:27:18.800 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 2,444,135,000 asr-000161 00:27:18.800 --> 00:27:21.760 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 33.79% asr-000162 00:27:21.760 --> 00:27:23.140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and capital outlay asr-000163 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:26.420 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 857,100,000 asr-000164 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:29.560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 11.85% asr-000165 00:27:29.560 --> 00:27:34.160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: RLIP of 168,332,000 asr-000166 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:37.080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.33% asr-000167 00:27:37.080 --> 00:27:41.020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and OMB share in Military Council Fund asr-000168 00:27:41.020 --> 00:27:44.060 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: of 2,602,000 asr-000169 00:27:44.060 --> 00:27:46.820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 0.04% asr-000170 00:27:46.820 --> 00:27:48.320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for a total of 100% asr-000171 00:27:48.320 --> 00:27:53.740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Comparative data for 2026 budget asr-000172 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:56.900 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and 2027 DBM-NEP per program asr-000173 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:59.280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: including RLIP in 1,000 pesos asr-000174 00:27:59.280 --> 00:28:02.280 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So for general administration and support asr-000175 00:28:02.280 --> 00:28:07.020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 4,905,983,000 asr-000176 00:28:07.020 --> 00:28:10.600 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 67.83% asr-000177 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:12.560 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For support to operations asr-000178 00:28:12.560 --> 00:28:14.040 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 147,000,000 asr-000179 00:28:14.060 --> 00:28:19.020 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.04% asr-000180 00:28:19.020 --> 00:28:22.100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Anti-Corruption Investigation Program asr-000181 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:25.860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 945,737,000 pesos asr-000182 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:29.160 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 13.08% asr-000183 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:31.660 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Anti-Corruption Enforcement Program asr-000184 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:35.300 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 721,168,000 pesos asr-000185 00:28:35.300 --> 00:28:38.380 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 9.97% asr-000186 00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:40.820 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Ombudsman Public Assistance Program asr-000187 00:28:40.820 --> 00:28:43.860 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 290,934,000 pesos asr-000188 00:28:43.860 --> 00:28:47.700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 4.02% asr-000189 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:50.080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: For Corruption Prevention Program asr-000190 00:28:50.080 --> 00:28:53.580 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 211,758,000 pesos asr-000191 00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:55.980 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 2.93% asr-000192 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:58.200 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And for locally funded projects asr-000193 00:28:58.200 --> 00:29:00.320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: which is the Whistleblower Account Reward asr-000194 00:29:00.320 --> 00:29:01.620 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: 10,000,000 pesos asr-000195 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:03.700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: representing 0.14% asr-000196 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:09.080 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: So going now to the salient features asr-000197 00:29:09.080 --> 00:29:13.740 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: The requirement for the filling of positions asr-000198 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:15.620 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: in the amount of 1.662 billion asr-000199 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 asr-000200 00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:28.340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Provisions for Terminal and Retirement Gratuity Benefits asr-000201 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:33.320 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: for mandatory 78,869,000 pesos asr-000202 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:37.760 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: and for optional 310,758,000 pesos asr-000203 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 asr-000204 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 asr-000205 00:29:46.880 --> 00:29:49.340 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: with maintenance and other operating expenses asr-000206 00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:53.520 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: amounting to 2,446,000,000 asr-000207 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 asr-000208 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 asr-000209 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 asr-000210 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 asr-000211 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 asr-000212 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 asr-000213 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 asr-000214 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 asr-000215 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 asr-000216 00:30:49.040 --> 00:30:50.880 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: is provided an amount of 11 asr-000217 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 asr-000218 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 asr-000219 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 asr-000220 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 asr-000221 00:31:20.160 --> 00:31:21.440 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: equipment foreign asr-000222 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 asr-000223 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 asr-000224 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 asr-000225 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 asr-000226 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 asr-000227 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 asr-000228 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 asr-000229 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 asr-000230 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 asr-000231 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 asr-000232 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 asr-000233 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 asr-000234 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 asr-000235 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 asr-000236 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 asr-000237 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 asr-000238 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 asr-000239 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 asr-000240 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 asr-000241 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 asr-000242 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 asr-000243 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 asr-000244 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 asr-000245 00:34:13.660 --> 00:34:13.700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: four asr-000246 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 asr-000247 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 asr-000248 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 asr-000249 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 asr-000250 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 asr-000251 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 asr-000252 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 asr-000253 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 asr-000254 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 asr-000255 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 asr-000256 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 asr-000257 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 asr-000258 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 asr-000259 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 asr-000260 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 asr-000261 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 asr-000262 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 asr-000263 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 asr-000264 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 asr-000265 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 asr-000266 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 asr-000267 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 asr-000268 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%. asr-000269 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. asr-000270 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. asr-000271 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. asr-000272 00:38:12.100 --> 00:38:15.100 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Of the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget. asr-000273 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. asr-000274 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. asr-000275 00:38:41.520 --> 00:38:43.700 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Additional confidential funds. asr-000276 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. asr-000277 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. asr-000278 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. asr-000279 00:39:17.850 --> 00:39:18.450 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: To augment. asr-000280 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. asr-000281 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. asr-000282 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. asr-000283 00:39:39.290 --> 00:39:42.310 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Purchase of equipment, books, journals, and periodicals. asr-000284 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. asr-000285 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. asr-000286 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. asr-000287 00:40:15.950 --> 00:40:17.910 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Subject to pertinent budgeting. asr-000288 00:40:18.650 --> 00:40:20.370 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: And auditing rules and regulation. asr-000289 00:40:23.940 --> 00:40:26.920 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Use of income. asr-000290 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. asr-000291 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. asr-000292 00:40:50.840 --> 00:40:51.640 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Appropriations. asr-000293 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. asr-000295 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. asr-000296 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. asr-000297 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, asr-000298 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. asr-000300 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, asr-000301 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 asr-000302 00:42:15.460 --> 00:42:19.500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: in the Office of the Ombudsman asr-000303 00:42:19.500 --> 00:42:20.120 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: as Ombudsman, asr-000304 00:42:20.120 --> 00:42:21.140 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Deputy Ombudsman asr-000305 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 asr-000306 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 asr-000307 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 asr-000308 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 asr-000309 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 asr-000310 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 asr-000311 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 asr-000312 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. asr-000313 00:43:14.840 --> 00:43:15.500 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: In closing, asr-000314 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 asr-000315 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 asr-000316 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 asr-000317 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 asr-000318 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 asr-000319 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 asr-000320 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 asr-000321 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 asr-000322 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. asr-000323 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 asr-000324 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. asr-000325 00:44:34.360 --> 00:44:37.360 Office of the Ombudsman Director IV Christopher B. Lim: Thank you, Mr. Chair. asr-000326 00:44:37.360 --> 00:44:39.960 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. asr-000327 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. asr-000328 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. asr-000329 00:44:48.940 --> 00:44:52.160 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Lacson was ahead, but of course, we'll... asr-000330 00:44:53.660 --> 00:44:56.420 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Our Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Tito Sotafo. asr-000331 00:44:56.600 --> 00:45:00.060 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator Lacson. asr-000332 00:45:00.000 --> 00:45:02.980 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And, of course, again, good morning to everyone. asr-000333 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. asr-000334 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. asr-000335 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. asr-000336 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. asr-000337 00:45:40.100 --> 00:45:42.520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And I'm glad you have already proposed it here. asr-000338 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. asr-000339 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. asr-000340 00:45:51.680 --> 00:45:55.060 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But just one hanging question. asr-000341 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? asr-000342 00:46:05.880 --> 00:46:09.680 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And does this include regional offices, please, Mr. Ombudsman? asr-000343 00:46:11.870 --> 00:46:15.570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, we're hiring people now, Mr. Chairman. asr-000344 00:46:18.170 --> 00:46:21.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The process of hiring people is not very easy, Mr. Chairman. asr-000345 00:46:21.670 --> 00:46:25.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's one thing that we can tell you. asr-000346 00:46:26.490 --> 00:46:27.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because we... asr-000347 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. asr-000348 00:46:32.470 --> 00:46:34.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: This year, we hired 60 lawyers. asr-000349 00:46:35.730 --> 00:46:36.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 60 lawyers. asr-000350 00:46:36.850 --> 00:46:39.530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we expect to hire 40 more by November. asr-000351 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. asr-000352 00:46:45.510 --> 00:46:48.950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But they applied as early as January and February. asr-000353 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. asr-000354 00:46:57.150 --> 00:46:57.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Mr. Chairman. asr-000355 00:46:59.610 --> 00:47:03.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And, of course, we have space constraints also, Mr. Chairman. asr-000356 00:47:03.830 --> 00:47:05.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Our office is very small. asr-000357 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. asr-000358 00:47:14.470 --> 00:47:16.370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why we are asking for a new building. asr-000359 00:47:16.570 --> 00:47:18.830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We are actually purchasing a new building, Mr. Chairman. asr-000360 00:47:18.830 --> 00:47:20.830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And... asr-000361 00:47:20.830 --> 00:47:24.480 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, asr-000375 00:47:29.460 --> 00:47:32.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, it's a... asr-000376 00:47:33.400 --> 00:47:36.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: With our plantilla positions, we actually are... asr-000377 00:47:37.340 --> 00:47:39.860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have more than 2,000 positions in our plantilla. asr-000378 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. asr-000379 00:47:47.160 --> 00:47:49.880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we are filling it up as we speak. asr-000380 00:47:50.440 --> 00:47:55.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And actually, we don't have a problem with the applicants. asr-000381 00:47:55.340 --> 00:47:57.760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have a sufficient number of applicants. asr-000382 00:47:57.760 --> 00:47:58.960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: For the... asr-000383 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. asr-000384 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. asr-000385 00:48:13.340 --> 00:48:16.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we have great... asr-000386 00:48:16.460 --> 00:48:21.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The quality of the applicants is actually very, very impressive. asr-000387 00:48:21.040 --> 00:48:23.800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The credentials are very impressive. asr-000388 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 asr-000389 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 asr-000390 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 asr-000391 00:48:43.560 --> 00:48:44.740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can promote them. asr-000392 00:48:44.740 --> 00:48:47.800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So, it really takes a little more time, Mr. Chairman. asr-000393 00:48:47.800 --> 00:48:49.480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. asr-000394 00:48:49.480 --> 00:48:50.480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you. asr-000395 00:48:50.480 --> 00:48:51.480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you for that. asr-000396 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 asr-000397 00:48:56.200 --> 00:48:57.200 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: up very soon. asr-000398 00:48:57.200 --> 00:48:58.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Mr. Chairman. asr-000400 00:48:58.280 --> 00:49:00.220 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-000401 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? asr-000402 00:49:04.520 --> 00:49:05.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes. asr-000403 00:49:05.520 --> 00:49:07.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We have the Internal Affairs Bureau. asr-000404 00:49:07.520 --> 00:49:08.520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Okay. asr-000405 00:49:08.520 --> 00:49:09.520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-000406 00:49:09.520 --> 00:49:13.900 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I'm very supportive of the budget of the ombudsman. asr-000407 00:49:13.900 --> 00:49:14.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. asr-000408 00:49:14.900 --> 00:49:18.320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Next to us, Senator Panfilo Ping-Lakson. asr-000409 00:49:18.320 --> 00:49:19.820 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-000410 00:49:19.820 --> 00:49:23.740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: First to address the concern raised by the Senate President Pro Temp. asr-000411 00:49:23.740 --> 00:49:27.680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I actually filed Senate Bill No. 2394. asr-000412 00:49:27.680 --> 00:49:31.480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: What I just filed is for the Ombudsman's Marshal Service. asr-000413 00:49:31.480 --> 00:49:34.920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This is to amend Section 15 of the Ombudsman Law. asr-000414 00:49:34.920 --> 00:49:41.120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ang tawag natin doon sa kanilang law enforcement service is Ombudsman Marshal Service. asr-000415 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 asr-000416 00:49:53.180 --> 00:49:54.680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and another 3.799 million para sa MOOE. asr-000417 00:49:54.680 --> 00:49:55.620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This is for 2027. asr-000418 00:49:55.620 --> 00:49:56.580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And asr-000419 00:49:56.580 --> 00:49:57.520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the chairman asr-000420 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, asr-000421 00:50:12.480 --> 00:50:20.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for information also in 2021 when the judicial marshal of the judiciary asr-000422 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 asr-000423 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 asr-000424 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 asr-000425 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 asr-000426 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 asr-000427 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 asr-000428 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]. asr-000429 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 asr-000430 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 asr-000431 00:51:42.600 --> 00:51:45.320 Senator Panfilo Lacson: magha-hamper ng inyong investigative asr-000432 00:51:45.320 --> 00:51:47.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: function sa anti-corruption drive asr-000433 00:51:50.680 --> 00:51:54.420 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kung hindi mare-restore? asr-000434 00:51:54.420 --> 00:51:57.360 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Paki-prioritize na lang. asr-000435 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 asr-000437 00:52:02.000 --> 00:52:04.140 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: requested, sir, ang deficiency asr-000438 00:52:04.140 --> 00:52:05.760 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: ay 5.5B asr-000439 00:52:05.760 --> 00:52:08.100 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and these are cut across asr-000440 00:52:08.100 --> 00:52:10.040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: general administration in support asr-000441 00:52:10.040 --> 00:52:11.640 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: 4.1B asr-000442 00:52:11.640 --> 00:52:13.840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: support to operations 500 asr-000443 00:52:13.840 --> 00:52:15.740 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: million, anti-corruption asr-000444 00:52:15.740 --> 00:52:18.060 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: investigation program 300 million asr-000445 00:52:18.060 --> 00:52:20.120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Excuse me, ang tanong ko lang asr-000446 00:52:20.120 --> 00:52:22.260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pakiprioritize kung ano yung asr-000447 00:52:22.260 --> 00:52:24.040 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa tingin ninyo kailang asr-000448 00:52:24.040 --> 00:52:26.200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ma-restore in their asr-000449 00:52:26.200 --> 00:52:27.920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: order of priorities. Of course asr-000450 00:52:27.920 --> 00:52:30.240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: we have the records nung sinasabi ninyo asr-000451 00:52:30.240 --> 00:52:31.540 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kung ano yung mga cuts asr-000452 00:52:31.540 --> 00:52:33.520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but I want to find out asr-000453 00:52:33.520 --> 00:52:35.300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: we want to find out ano yung asr-000454 00:52:35.300 --> 00:52:36.840 Senator Panfilo Lacson: parang indispensable asr-000455 00:52:36.840 --> 00:52:39.260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na ma-restore natin para asr-000456 00:52:39.260 --> 00:52:40.720 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for our guidance asr-000457 00:52:40.720 --> 00:52:42.880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: especially that the chairman is here asr-000458 00:52:42.880 --> 00:52:45.520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede nating magawa ng paraan asr-000459 00:52:45.520 --> 00:52:47.440 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na i-restore. But we need to prioritize asr-000460 00:52:47.440 --> 00:52:49.560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: That's just Mr. Lackson, in order of asr-000461 00:52:49.560 --> 00:52:51.500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: priority, talagang sinasabi asr-000462 00:52:51.500 --> 00:52:52.840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ni Mr. Lackson, yun talagang asr-000463 00:52:52.840 --> 00:52:55.420 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: what is really needed na talagang asr-000464 00:52:55.420 --> 00:52:57.360 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: that you would want us to restore asr-000465 00:52:57.360 --> 00:52:59.060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Mr. Chairman asr-000466 00:52:59.060 --> 00:53:01.360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: purchase of a new office building asr-000467 00:53:01.360 --> 00:53:03.180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: is very important asr-000468 00:53:03.180 --> 00:53:04.680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to us so that we can give asr-000469 00:53:04.680 --> 00:53:06.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: good working conditions asr-000470 00:53:06.940 --> 00:53:09.160 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for our lawyers and for our personnel asr-000471 00:53:09.160 --> 00:53:11.380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's asr-000472 00:53:11.380 --> 00:53:13.440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 1.465 billion asr-000473 00:53:13.440 --> 00:53:15.260 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Funding requirements asr-000474 00:53:15.260 --> 00:53:17.180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: for the creation of the Ombudsman Marshall asr-000475 00:53:17.180 --> 00:53:19.060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of course is a priority asr-000476 00:53:19.060 --> 00:53:20.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and that will asr-000477 00:53:20.460 --> 00:53:22.380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: be more than asr-000478 00:53:22.380 --> 00:53:26.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 167 million asr-000479 00:53:26.460 --> 00:53:30.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Additional confidential funds of asr-000480 00:53:30.490 --> 00:53:31.570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 148 million asr-000481 00:53:31.570 --> 00:53:32.870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and asr-000482 00:53:32.890 --> 00:53:35.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: motor vehicles for asr-000483 00:53:35.490 --> 00:53:37.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: officials and general dispatch asr-000484 00:53:37.490 --> 00:53:38.690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor asr-000485 00:53:38.690 --> 00:53:40.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Those are the priority items asr-000486 00:53:40.890 --> 00:53:44.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that's amounting to 1.8 billion asr-000487 00:53:44.890 --> 00:53:46.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Ombudsman asr-000488 00:53:46.790 --> 00:53:50.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Bahala na si chairman dyan asr-000489 00:53:50.590 --> 00:53:51.990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, understandably so asr-000490 00:53:51.990 --> 00:53:53.990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi if we compare asr-000491 00:53:53.990 --> 00:53:56.490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung benchmark ng ICAC asr-000492 00:53:56.490 --> 00:53:57.830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung Hong Kong asr-000493 00:53:57.830 --> 00:54:00.630 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Independent Commission Against Corruption asr-000494 00:54:00.630 --> 00:54:02.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung kanilang percentage sa kanilang asr-000495 00:54:02.870 --> 00:54:03.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: total budget asr-000496 00:54:03.870 --> 00:54:05.170 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 0.38% asr-000497 00:54:05.170 --> 00:54:07.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yan ang ina-allocate ng government ng Hong Kong asr-000498 00:54:07.870 --> 00:54:08.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng SAR asr-000499 00:54:08.470 --> 00:54:11.710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa kanilang Independent Commission Against Corruption asr-000500 00:54:11.710 --> 00:54:15.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: compare that to the asr-000501 00:54:15.730 --> 00:54:16.370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ombudsman asr-000502 00:54:16.370 --> 00:54:17.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung counterpart asr-000503 00:54:17.590 --> 00:54:19.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nandun lang tayo sa 0.1% asr-000504 00:54:19.970 --> 00:54:22.850 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi kung susunod na natin yung benchmark asr-000505 00:54:22.850 --> 00:54:24.770 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng ICAC asr-000506 00:54:24.770 --> 00:54:27.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: dapat 25.8 billion asr-000507 00:54:27.650 --> 00:54:28.930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: at least yung inyong budget asr-000508 00:54:28.930 --> 00:54:30.150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so napakalayo doon sa asr-000509 00:54:30.150 --> 00:54:32.070 Senator Panfilo Lacson: naiwanan na 7 asr-000510 00:54:32.070 --> 00:54:33.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 7.2 asr-000511 00:54:33.970 --> 00:54:35.910 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 3 billion asr-000512 00:54:35.910 --> 00:54:37.510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but then asr-000513 00:54:37.510 --> 00:54:39.370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: these are issues that may be raised asr-000514 00:54:39.370 --> 00:54:40.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa plenary asr-000515 00:54:40.730 --> 00:54:42.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng aming mga colleagues asr-000516 00:54:42.430 --> 00:54:44.570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: anyway, si chairman naman asr-000517 00:54:44.570 --> 00:54:46.950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang mag-de-defend nito sa plenary asr-000518 00:54:46.950 --> 00:54:49.210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: because we asr-000519 00:54:49.210 --> 00:54:50.530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: see some asr-000520 00:54:50.530 --> 00:54:52.370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: lump sum appropriations asr-000521 00:54:52.370 --> 00:54:54.670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for personal services asr-000522 00:54:54.670 --> 00:54:56.150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang total nito asr-000523 00:54:56.150 --> 00:54:58.290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion pesos asr-000524 00:54:58.290 --> 00:55:01.690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: this is to provide asr-000525 00:55:01.690 --> 00:55:01.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: a asr-000526 00:55:02.070 --> 00:55:02.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: as mentioned asr-000527 00:55:02.730 --> 00:55:03.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to fill up asr-000528 00:55:03.870 --> 00:55:08.190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1,247 asr-000529 00:55:08.190 --> 00:55:09.030 Senator Panfilo Lacson: vacant positions asr-000530 00:55:09.030 --> 00:55:12.490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 51.1 asr-000531 00:55:12.490 --> 00:55:14.070 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ang vacancy rate asr-000532 00:55:14.070 --> 00:55:14.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng Ombudsman asr-000533 00:55:14.790 --> 00:55:15.850 Senator Panfilo Lacson: my question is asr-000534 00:55:15.850 --> 00:55:17.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: how confident are you asr-000535 00:55:17.590 --> 00:55:19.210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na pwede nyo ma-fill up asr-000536 00:55:19.210 --> 00:55:21.010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi this will be an issue asr-000537 00:55:21.010 --> 00:55:22.010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: that will be raised asr-000538 00:55:22.010 --> 00:55:23.270 Senator Panfilo Lacson: during the plenary asr-000539 00:55:23.270 --> 00:55:25.050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: deliberation asr-000540 00:55:25.050 --> 00:55:26.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so we must be able asr-000541 00:55:26.590 --> 00:55:27.570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: or at least si chairman asr-000542 00:55:27.570 --> 00:55:29.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: must be able to address that asr-000543 00:55:29.550 --> 00:55:31.050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi medyo malaki yung asr-000544 00:55:31.050 --> 00:55:32.050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 51.1% asr-000545 00:55:32.070 --> 00:55:36.510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na vacancy rate asr-000546 00:55:36.510 --> 00:55:38.750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and that would translate asr-000547 00:55:38.750 --> 00:55:39.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to how many personnel asr-000548 00:55:39.790 --> 00:55:41.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sir asr-000549 00:55:41.930 --> 00:55:42.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor asr-000550 00:55:42.910 --> 00:55:45.030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we are given the chance asr-000551 00:55:45.030 --> 00:55:45.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to really asr-000552 00:55:45.770 --> 00:55:47.750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: hire these people asr-000553 00:55:47.750 --> 00:55:48.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: now asr-000554 00:55:48.770 --> 00:55:51.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think that within asr-000555 00:55:51.110 --> 00:55:52.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: another year asr-000556 00:55:52.510 --> 00:55:54.170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we would have hired asr-000557 00:55:54.170 --> 00:55:55.690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: more than 400 people asr-000558 00:55:55.690 --> 00:55:57.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so it will take around 3 years asr-000559 00:55:57.590 --> 00:55:59.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to actually fill this gap asr-000560 00:55:59.910 --> 00:56:01.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if asr-000561 00:56:01.110 --> 00:56:01.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if asr-000562 00:56:01.190 --> 00:56:01.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if asr-000563 00:56:01.470 --> 00:56:01.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if asr-000564 00:56:01.910 --> 00:56:03.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we really asr-000565 00:56:03.470 --> 00:56:04.870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: are able to asr-000566 00:56:04.870 --> 00:56:06.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to hire them asr-000567 00:56:06.590 --> 00:56:07.230 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with the budget asr-000568 00:56:07.230 --> 00:56:07.690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor asr-000569 00:56:07.690 --> 00:56:09.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in other words asr-000570 00:56:09.450 --> 00:56:09.950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it will asr-000571 00:56:09.950 --> 00:56:10.830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: even asr-000572 00:56:10.830 --> 00:56:12.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: surpass the asr-000573 00:56:12.430 --> 00:56:13.930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: two-year period asr-000574 00:56:13.930 --> 00:56:14.710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for asr-000575 00:56:14.710 --> 00:56:15.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: authorizing the asr-000576 00:56:15.650 --> 00:56:16.830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: continuing appropriations asr-000577 00:56:16.830 --> 00:56:18.410 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kaya kung asr-000578 00:56:18.410 --> 00:56:19.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ibibigay lahat itong asr-000579 00:56:19.550 --> 00:56:20.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion asr-000580 00:56:20.730 --> 00:56:22.290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi rin ito ma-obligate asr-000581 00:56:22.290 --> 00:56:24.010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi mayu-utilize asr-000582 00:56:24.010 --> 00:56:24.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: because asr-000583 00:56:24.430 --> 00:56:25.710 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it would take asr-000584 00:56:25.710 --> 00:56:26.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: three years asr-000585 00:56:26.550 --> 00:56:27.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to hire the asr-000586 00:56:27.870 --> 00:56:28.890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the asr-000587 00:56:28.890 --> 00:56:29.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the vacancies asr-000588 00:56:29.650 --> 00:56:30.830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the vacant positions asr-000589 00:56:30.830 --> 00:56:31.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes sir asr-000590 00:56:31.770 --> 00:56:32.270 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes your honor asr-000591 00:56:32.270 --> 00:56:33.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's the absorptive capacity asr-000592 00:56:33.490 --> 00:56:34.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of the office asr-000593 00:56:34.110 --> 00:56:34.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes asr-000594 00:56:34.410 --> 00:56:36.370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: hindi usat tayo sanay asr-000595 00:56:36.370 --> 00:56:37.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: sa malaking asr-000596 00:56:37.490 --> 00:56:39.170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: puwersa asr-000597 00:56:39.170 --> 00:56:40.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so we have to asr-000598 00:56:40.590 --> 00:56:41.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: break it in your honor asr-000599 00:56:41.670 --> 00:56:42.630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have to actually asr-000600 00:56:42.630 --> 00:56:43.670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: so it would be more practical asr-000601 00:56:43.670 --> 00:56:45.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na yung part of the asr-000602 00:56:45.730 --> 00:56:47.110 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion asr-000603 00:56:47.110 --> 00:56:48.510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede nating realign asr-000604 00:56:48.510 --> 00:56:49.210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: papunta sa asr-000605 00:56:49.210 --> 00:56:50.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: judicial marshal asr-000606 00:56:50.430 --> 00:56:50.890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa asr-000607 00:56:50.890 --> 00:56:53.010 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal asr-000608 00:56:53.010 --> 00:56:53.890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: do sa asr-000609 00:56:53.890 --> 00:56:54.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ombudsman asr-000610 00:56:54.970 --> 00:56:55.750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal asr-000611 00:56:55.750 --> 00:56:56.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: it can be done asr-000612 00:56:56.590 --> 00:56:57.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yes sir asr-000613 00:56:57.330 --> 00:56:58.190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para yung asr-000614 00:56:58.190 --> 00:56:59.890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung ma-absorb lang asr-000615 00:56:59.890 --> 00:57:00.570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for the asr-000616 00:57:00.570 --> 00:57:01.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: two-year period asr-000617 00:57:01.730 --> 00:57:04.050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para hindi na tayo asr-000618 00:57:04.050 --> 00:57:04.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kukuha doon asr-000619 00:57:04.970 --> 00:57:05.690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa ibang agencies asr-000620 00:57:05.690 --> 00:57:06.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: at least yung asr-000621 00:57:06.870 --> 00:57:07.890 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ibang needs ninyo asr-000622 00:57:07.890 --> 00:57:09.210 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa mga priorities ninyo asr-000623 00:57:09.210 --> 00:57:10.190 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang ang po asr-000624 00:57:10.190 --> 00:57:10.930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: problemahin namin asr-000625 00:57:10.930 --> 00:57:12.030 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kunin sa ibang agencies asr-000626 00:57:12.030 --> 00:57:13.570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: since asr-000627 00:57:13.570 --> 00:57:14.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 1.68 billion asr-000628 00:57:14.970 --> 00:57:15.690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: itong asr-000629 00:57:15.690 --> 00:57:16.510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: hindi naman asr-000630 00:57:16.510 --> 00:57:17.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kayang i-obligate asr-000631 00:57:17.430 --> 00:57:18.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in the asr-000632 00:57:18.450 --> 00:57:18.830 Senator Panfilo Lacson: in the asr-000633 00:57:18.830 --> 00:57:19.750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: next two years asr-000634 00:57:19.750 --> 00:57:20.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: probably asr-000635 00:57:20.550 --> 00:57:21.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pwede tayong asr-000636 00:57:21.730 --> 00:57:23.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: humiwa ng konti rito asr-000637 00:57:23.450 --> 00:57:24.570 Senator Panfilo Lacson: para ma-augment asr-000638 00:57:24.570 --> 00:57:25.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung ibang priorities asr-000639 00:57:25.590 --> 00:57:26.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it can be done sir asr-000640 00:57:26.770 --> 00:57:27.290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you asr-000641 00:57:27.290 --> 00:57:28.690 Senator Panfilo Lacson: um asr-000642 00:57:28.690 --> 00:57:33.060 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang muna asr-000643 00:57:33.060 --> 00:57:33.700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mister chairman asr-000644 00:57:33.700 --> 00:57:34.200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and asr-000645 00:57:34.200 --> 00:57:35.300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ako asr-000646 00:57:35.300 --> 00:57:36.580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I'm fully supportive asr-000647 00:57:36.580 --> 00:57:37.140 Senator Panfilo Lacson: of the asr-000648 00:57:37.140 --> 00:57:39.080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: of recommending asr-000649 00:57:39.080 --> 00:57:40.120 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to the plenary asr-000650 00:57:40.120 --> 00:57:40.920 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung budget asr-000651 00:57:40.920 --> 00:57:41.240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng asr-000652 00:57:41.240 --> 00:57:42.800 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ng ombudsman asr-000653 00:57:42.800 --> 00:57:43.140 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you asr-000654 00:57:43.140 --> 00:57:43.600 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mister chairman asr-000655 00:57:43.600 --> 00:57:45.320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: thank you asr-000656 00:57:45.320 --> 00:57:46.140 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: um asr-000657 00:57:46.140 --> 00:57:47.240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: senator lakson asr-000658 00:57:47.240 --> 00:57:48.180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: doon na lang asr-000659 00:57:48.180 --> 00:57:48.600 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: sa request asr-000660 00:57:48.600 --> 00:57:50.760 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: for additional funding asr-000661 00:57:50.760 --> 00:57:51.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: no asr-000662 00:57:51.020 --> 00:57:52.200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that we'll be able asr-000663 00:57:52.200 --> 00:57:53.200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to justify this asr-000664 00:57:53.200 --> 00:57:54.720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on the floor asr-000665 00:57:54.720 --> 00:57:58.100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: siguro just asr-000666 00:57:58.100 --> 00:57:59.240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: general asr-000667 00:57:59.240 --> 00:58:00.700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in terms of staffing asr-000668 00:58:00.700 --> 00:58:01.600 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: how many positions asr-000669 00:58:01.600 --> 00:58:02.400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: will the ombudsman asr-000670 00:58:02.400 --> 00:58:03.340 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: marshal service have asr-000671 00:58:03.340 --> 00:58:04.040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: anybody can answer asr-000672 00:58:04.040 --> 00:58:06.940 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: how do you justify asr-000673 00:58:06.940 --> 00:58:08.040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: creating a new enforcement asr-000674 00:58:08.040 --> 00:58:08.720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: service when asr-000675 00:58:08.720 --> 00:58:10.460 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the office of the ombudsman asr-000676 00:58:10.460 --> 00:58:12.000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: has 50% vacancy rate asr-000677 00:58:12.000 --> 00:58:12.500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: eto yung asr-000678 00:58:12.500 --> 00:58:13.620 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: natanong no asr-000679 00:58:13.620 --> 00:58:14.820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: para lang malaman natin asr-000680 00:58:14.820 --> 00:58:15.680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: when asr-000681 00:58:15.680 --> 00:58:16.560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: this asr-000682 00:58:16.560 --> 00:58:17.440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: most likely asr-000683 00:58:17.440 --> 00:58:18.120 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: this will be asked asr-000684 00:58:18.120 --> 00:58:18.720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on the floor asr-000685 00:58:18.720 --> 00:58:21.500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: siguro anybody can answer asr-000686 00:58:21.500 --> 00:58:22.960 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: assistant ombudsman asr-000687 00:58:22.960 --> 00:58:23.700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: bunuan asr-000688 00:58:23.700 --> 00:58:24.420 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: yes sir asr-000689 00:58:24.420 --> 00:58:25.420 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: mister chair asr-000690 00:58:25.420 --> 00:58:27.080 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: our request sir asr-000691 00:58:27.080 --> 00:58:28.140 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: is for additional asr-000692 00:58:28.140 --> 00:58:29.340 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: 100 positions asr-000693 00:58:29.340 --> 00:58:30.820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: for the office of the asr-000694 00:58:30.820 --> 00:58:31.840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: ombudsman marshal asr-000695 00:58:31.840 --> 00:58:32.480 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: across asr-000696 00:58:32.480 --> 00:58:33.040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: um asr-000697 00:58:34.040 --> 00:58:35.120 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the country sir asr-000698 00:58:35.120 --> 00:58:35.960 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: so this covers asr-000699 00:58:35.960 --> 00:58:37.040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: our sectoral offices asr-000700 00:58:37.040 --> 00:58:37.760 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: in luzon asr-000701 00:58:37.760 --> 00:58:38.360 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: visayas asr-000702 00:58:38.360 --> 00:58:39.320 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and mindanao asr-000703 00:58:39.320 --> 00:58:40.580 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: and asr-000704 00:58:40.580 --> 00:58:41.620 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: as to answer asr-000705 00:58:41.620 --> 00:58:42.640 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: your question sir asr-000706 00:58:42.640 --> 00:58:43.520 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: um asr-000707 00:58:43.520 --> 00:58:44.320 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: since we are also asr-000708 00:58:44.320 --> 00:58:44.920 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: in the process asr-000709 00:58:44.920 --> 00:58:45.580 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: of filling up asr-000710 00:58:45.580 --> 00:58:46.280 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: these positions asr-000711 00:58:46.280 --> 00:58:47.020 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: we were hoping asr-000712 00:58:47.020 --> 00:58:48.040 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: to get a separate asr-000713 00:58:48.040 --> 00:58:48.500 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: office asr-000714 00:58:48.500 --> 00:58:49.840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: of the ombudsman asr-000715 00:58:49.840 --> 00:58:50.180 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: marshal asr-000716 00:58:50.180 --> 00:58:50.780 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: to complement asr-000717 00:58:50.780 --> 00:58:51.380 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: these sir asr-000718 00:58:51.380 --> 00:58:54.720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: If funding is approved, asr-000719 00:58:54.720 --> 00:58:55.400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: what is the asr-000720 00:58:55.400 --> 00:58:56.260 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: realistic timeline asr-000721 00:58:56.260 --> 00:58:57.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to recruit asr-000722 00:58:57.020 --> 00:58:58.700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: vet and train asr-000723 00:58:58.700 --> 00:58:59.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: these marshals asr-000724 00:58:59.900 --> 00:59:01.180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that these funds asr-000725 00:59:01.180 --> 00:59:02.080 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: won't end up asr-000726 00:59:02.080 --> 00:59:02.820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: as unspent asr-000727 00:59:02.820 --> 00:59:03.640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: appropriations asr-000728 00:59:03.640 --> 00:59:04.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at the end of the year asr-000729 00:59:04.900 --> 00:59:05.620 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ano yung asr-000730 00:59:06.000 --> 00:59:06.500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: actual timeline natin? asr-000731 00:59:06.500 --> 00:59:07.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: mr chairman asr-000732 00:59:07.000 --> 00:59:07.940 Senator Panfilo Lacson: if i may interject asr-000733 00:59:07.940 --> 00:59:09.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: may i ask the asr-000734 00:59:09.000 --> 00:59:09.620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ombudsman asr-000735 00:59:09.620 --> 00:59:10.820 Senator Panfilo Lacson: do you already have asr-000736 00:59:10.820 --> 00:59:11.740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: somebody in mind asr-000737 00:59:11.740 --> 00:59:12.440 Senator Panfilo Lacson: to head the asr-000738 00:59:12.440 --> 00:59:12.880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: judicial asr-000739 00:59:12.880 --> 00:59:14.660 Senator Panfilo Lacson: marshal service asr-000740 00:59:14.660 --> 00:59:15.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor asr-000741 00:59:15.980 --> 00:59:16.640 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we already have asr-000742 00:59:16.640 --> 00:59:17.580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: an assistant ombudsman asr-000743 00:59:17.580 --> 00:59:17.860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: now asr-000744 00:59:17.860 --> 00:59:18.260 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yeah asr-000745 00:59:18.260 --> 00:59:18.780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who can asr-000746 00:59:18.780 --> 00:59:19.620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who is very asr-000747 00:59:19.620 --> 00:59:20.480 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: qualified to asr-000748 00:59:20.480 --> 00:59:21.060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be asr-000749 00:59:21.060 --> 00:59:22.580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be asr-000750 00:59:22.580 --> 00:59:24.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: our marshal asr-000751 00:59:24.460 --> 00:59:24.840 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: your honor asr-000752 00:59:24.840 --> 00:59:25.700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yeah and asr-000753 00:59:25.700 --> 00:59:26.400 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and that is asr-000754 00:59:26.400 --> 00:59:27.460 Senator Panfilo Lacson: general asr-000755 00:59:27.460 --> 00:59:28.380 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Eli Cruz asr-000756 00:59:28.380 --> 00:59:28.620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: yeah asr-000757 00:59:28.620 --> 00:59:29.780 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Para rin asr-000758 00:59:29.780 --> 00:59:31.280 Senator Panfilo Lacson: ma-guide kami doon sa aming bill asr-000759 00:59:31.280 --> 00:59:32.220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na ipapasa asr-000760 00:59:32.220 --> 00:59:33.860 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na he may not asr-000761 00:59:33.860 --> 00:59:34.880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: necessarily be a lawyer asr-000762 00:59:34.880 --> 00:59:35.220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: no asr-000763 00:59:35.220 --> 00:59:35.980 Senator Panfilo Lacson: basta't merong asr-000764 00:59:36.000 --> 00:59:37.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: 10 years na asr-000765 00:59:37.000 --> 00:59:38.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: law enforcement asr-000766 00:59:38.000 --> 00:59:39.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: service experience asr-000767 00:59:39.000 --> 00:59:42.000 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun na lang, investigative experience. asr-000768 00:59:42.000 --> 00:59:42.300 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you asr-000769 00:59:42.300 --> 00:59:43.220 Senator Panfilo Lacson: thank you mr chairman asr-000770 00:59:43.220 --> 00:59:45.200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: likewise before we asr-000771 00:59:45.200 --> 00:59:46.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: continue asr-000772 00:59:46.020 --> 00:59:47.180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The chair would like asr-000773 00:59:47.180 --> 00:59:47.940 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to acknowledge the presence asr-000774 00:59:47.940 --> 00:59:49.220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: of our Senate President, asr-000775 00:59:49.220 --> 00:59:49.680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Win asr-000776 00:59:49.680 --> 00:59:50.920 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Gatchalian. asr-000777 00:59:50.920 --> 00:59:53.000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ah, asr-000778 00:59:53.000 --> 00:59:53.280 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senate asr-000779 00:59:53.280 --> 00:59:54.280 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: President, asr-000780 00:59:54.280 --> 00:59:54.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we might asr-000781 00:59:54.900 --> 00:59:55.380 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: want to asr-000782 00:59:55.380 --> 00:59:55.780 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ask asr-000783 00:59:55.780 --> 00:59:56.520 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: questions. asr-000784 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. asr-000785 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. asr-000786 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? asr-000787 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? asr-000788 01:00:22.400 --> 01:00:24.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kasi pag ano, ito talaga natin yung disbursement. asr-000789 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. asr-000790 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. asr-000791 01:00:39.700 --> 01:00:41.120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we will get there. asr-000792 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. asr-000793 01:00:53.840 --> 01:00:54.880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we'll get there. asr-000794 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. asr-000795 01:00:59.580 --> 01:01:03.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And it's just a matter of streamlining it, Mr. Chairman. asr-000796 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. asr-000797 01:01:10.610 --> 01:01:12.150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: At least hindi na ito natutulog. asr-000798 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. asr-000799 01:01:19.730 --> 01:01:25.430 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Can you elaborate, Mr. Ombudsman, para at least hindi na asr-000800 01:01:25.430 --> 01:01:25.950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: natutulog yung mga kaso na madalas nakakalimutan? asr-000801 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. asr-000802 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. asr-000803 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. asr-000804 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. asr-000805 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. asr-000806 01:02:24.370 --> 01:02:25.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That is an ideal. asr-000807 01:02:26.310 --> 01:02:30.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: an ideal number, an ideal timeline, Mr. Chairman, asr-000808 01:02:30.530 --> 01:02:33.690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because at least the memory of the judiciary will be fresh asr-000809 01:02:33.690 --> 01:02:35.750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: whenever we do this. asr-000810 01:02:36.110 --> 01:02:38.850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And there will be no more complaints about lost evidence, asr-000811 01:02:39.410 --> 01:02:43.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: lost witnesses, and other things that happen, asr-000812 01:02:43.950 --> 01:02:46.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: other miracles that happen when cases take a long time. asr-000813 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. asr-000814 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, asr-000815 01:02:53.150 --> 01:02:54.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of the Sandiganbayan. asr-000816 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%, asr-000817 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 asr-000818 01:03:04.350 --> 01:03:08.110 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I think the Ombudsman has been very vocal about this. asr-000819 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, asr-000820 01:03:15.450 --> 01:03:24.950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: tapos minsan nadidismiss or nawawater down asr-000821 01:03:24.950 --> 01:03:25.830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in the judiciary. asr-000822 01:03:25.850 --> 01:03:29.030 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: With regards to the confidential funds, asr-000823 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. asr-000824 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? asr-000825 01:03:43.150 --> 01:03:46.130 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The request is 148 million. asr-000826 01:03:46.510 --> 01:03:53.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We want to be able to establish safe quarters for witnesses asr-000827 01:03:53.350 --> 01:03:55.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and sometimes our marshals themselves. asr-000828 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, asr-000829 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. asr-000830 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. asr-000831 01:04:18.670 --> 01:04:22.270 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why this is something that has to be done, asr-000832 01:04:22.430 --> 01:04:24.310 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because in my experience as a legislator, asr-000833 01:04:24.910 --> 01:04:25.810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I noticed that, asr-000834 01:04:26.190 --> 01:04:31.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: people were doing things with impunity more in the BARMM. asr-000835 01:04:32.070 --> 01:04:35.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I remember being a congressman in the year 2005. asr-000836 01:04:35.410 --> 01:04:42.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We investigated the GSIS contributions of the teachers, asr-000837 01:04:42.870 --> 01:04:45.250 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and there were no contributions made. asr-000838 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, asr-000839 01:04:51.510 --> 01:04:54.390 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and there was nothing that could be done at that time. asr-000840 01:04:54.630 --> 01:04:55.830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: At least, I was a member of the House. asr-000841 01:04:55.850 --> 01:04:57.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I could not forget that. asr-000842 01:04:58.430 --> 01:05:01.550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why making this move to the BAHM, I think, asr-000843 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, asr-000844 01:05:05.050 --> 01:05:08.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because we cannot neglect that part of the country, asr-000845 01:05:08.490 --> 01:05:10.570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: which has been neglected for such a long time. asr-000846 01:05:10.630 --> 01:05:13.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But they have to feel they're part of the process. asr-000847 01:05:13.690 --> 01:05:15.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And to be inclusive about our work, asr-000848 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. asr-000849 01:05:22.030 --> 01:05:25.190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, what is the ombudsman's case backlog right now? asr-000850 01:05:25.190 --> 01:05:26.330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I understand, of course, asr-000851 01:05:26.330 --> 01:05:28.730 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na talagang ito yung tinututukan natin, Ombudsman, asr-000852 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. asr-000853 01:05:35.550 --> 01:05:40.290 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So just for the information of the committee, asr-000854 01:05:40.890 --> 01:05:41.910 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the current case backlog, asr-000855 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? asr-000856 01:05:48.980 --> 01:05:54.440 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Mr. Chair, as of June 30, 2026, sir, asr-000857 01:05:54.440 --> 01:05:58.200 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: we have a total of 4,219 asr-000858 01:05:58.220 --> 01:06:03.400 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: cases pending, 1,955 of which are criminal cases, asr-000859 01:06:03.880 --> 01:06:09.480 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: six forfeiture cases, and 2,258 administrative cases, sir. asr-000860 01:06:10.140 --> 01:06:11.820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: And in order to address this, sir, asr-000861 01:06:11.900 --> 01:06:14.700 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the first thing that this new administration has done asr-000862 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, asr-000863 01:06:18.760 --> 01:06:23.460 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: limiting fact-finding investigations from previously one year asr-000864 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. asr-000865 01:06:28.220 --> 01:06:34.140 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: You have approximately allocated 913 million for investigations. asr-000866 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 asr-000867 01:06:39.480 --> 01:06:40.680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: on corruption cases? asr-000868 01:06:42.540 --> 01:06:44.540 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Sir, we are expecting, sir, asr-000869 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, asr-000870 01:06:48.640 --> 01:06:49.680 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: because they need it, sir, asr-000871 01:06:49.680 --> 01:06:53.740 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: for their expenses when they conduct investigations nationwide, sir. asr-000872 01:06:57.450 --> 01:06:57.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Very awesome. asr-000873 01:06:57.930 --> 01:06:59.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And then, sir, asr-000874 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, asr-000875 01:07:06.050 --> 01:07:08.710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we all know for a fact that the biggest scandal, asr-000876 01:07:09.190 --> 01:07:12.710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the biggest corruption scandal in history happened last year, asr-000877 01:07:13.250 --> 01:07:13.710 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: probably, asr-000878 01:07:14.750 --> 01:07:19.050 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ang naantay kasi ng taong bayan dito kung mapanagot, asr-000879 01:07:19.170 --> 01:07:19.650 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: matukoy asr-000880 01:07:19.710 --> 01:07:20.810 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at mapanagot na yung mga utak talaga asr-000881 01:07:21.690 --> 01:07:23.230 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: at nakinabang sa scam na ito. asr-000882 01:07:23.550 --> 01:07:28.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So do we expect any development this year? asr-000883 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 asr-000900 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. asr-000901 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, asr-000902 01:07:43.930 --> 01:07:44.750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: probably, asr-000903 01:07:44.970 --> 01:07:45.310 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: can we, asr-000904 01:07:45.310 --> 01:07:45.770 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: can we, asr-000905 01:07:45.810 --> 01:07:45.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: you know, asr-000906 01:07:45.970 --> 01:07:46.990 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: hear from the Ombudsman kung asr-000907 01:07:46.990 --> 01:07:49.090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ano pong any development now asr-000908 01:07:49.530 --> 01:07:50.830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: sa mga masterminds asr-000909 01:07:50.830 --> 01:07:50.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: you know, asr-000910 01:07:51.130 --> 01:07:51.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: that have, asr-000911 01:07:51.810 --> 01:07:52.750 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: na matagal na inaantay ng asr-000912 01:07:52.870 --> 01:07:53.630 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: ating mga kababayan? asr-000913 01:07:54.690 --> 01:07:55.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There are now, asr-000914 01:07:55.790 --> 01:07:56.090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, asr-000915 01:07:56.250 --> 01:07:58.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there are now 35 cases before the courts. asr-000916 01:08:00.530 --> 01:08:01.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: In the sense that, asr-000917 01:08:01.110 --> 01:08:03.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sandigan Bayan, and in the RTC. asr-000918 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. asr-000919 01:08:11.550 --> 01:08:17.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We are now conducting 166 cases for preliminary investigation, asr-000920 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, asr-000921 01:08:23.650 --> 01:08:25.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and 107 lifestyle checks. asr-000922 01:08:26.170 --> 01:08:29.870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we are still refining our method in the lifestyle checks. asr-000923 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 asr-000924 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. asr-000925 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 asr-000926 01:08:45.210 --> 01:08:50.130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that the government can forfeit properties that have been unlawfully acquired, asr-000927 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 asr-000928 01:08:55.930 --> 01:08:58.690 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to the ombudsman because it will do its work, Your Honor. asr-000929 01:08:59.870 --> 01:09:00.830 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, Mr. Ombudsman. asr-000930 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, asr-000931 01:09:06.970 --> 01:09:13.190 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: do you currently have sufficient investigators, forensic accountants, engineers, asr-000932 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 asr-000933 01:09:17.610 --> 01:09:22.090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: so that we can augment, if necessary, the personnel requirements, asr-000934 01:09:22.170 --> 01:09:24.970 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: if not what additional resources are needed? asr-000935 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. asr-000936 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 asr-000937 01:09:37.190 --> 01:09:39.090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: into the ombudsman's office. asr-000938 01:09:39.650 --> 01:09:40.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think this is so critical. asr-000939 01:09:41.370 --> 01:09:44.530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the old way of doing things was really much slower. asr-000940 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 asr-000941 01:09:49.310 --> 01:09:50.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who will file more cases, Your Honor. asr-000942 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, asr-000943 01:09:56.610 --> 01:09:57.610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: fresh guys. asr-000944 01:09:59.870 --> 01:10:03.130 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: They joined the team. asr-000945 01:10:03.430 --> 01:10:06.810 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So how many were recruited the past year? asr-000946 01:10:07.370 --> 01:10:07.990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sixty. asr-000947 01:10:08.110 --> 01:10:10.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sixty of them were hired already. asr-000948 01:10:10.710 --> 01:10:11.750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we're still interviewing. asr-000949 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. asr-000950 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. asr-000951 01:10:25.170 --> 01:10:27.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And, of course, the prosecution of cases. asr-000952 01:10:27.150 --> 01:10:29.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we will... asr-000953 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, asr-000954 01:10:36.110 --> 01:10:38.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can streamline the hiring process. asr-000955 01:10:38.050 --> 01:10:41.450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it's actually something that has to be done. asr-000956 01:10:41.930 --> 01:10:45.290 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because a lot of people want to go for promotion when... asr-000957 01:10:45.290 --> 01:10:48.290 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And this actually slows down everything. asr-000958 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 asr-000959 01:10:54.950 --> 01:10:56.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with the people within the office, Your Honor. asr-000960 01:10:58.750 --> 01:11:00.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: That's the reason also for the needed... asr-000961 01:11:00.930 --> 01:11:01.330 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The new... asr-000962 01:11:01.330 --> 01:11:03.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: The new office, no? asr-000963 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 asr-000964 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. asr-000965 01:11:12.350 --> 01:11:14.090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Parang walang public transport. asr-000966 01:11:15.170 --> 01:11:15.610 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. asr-000967 01:11:17.130 --> 01:11:18.170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We hired... asr-000968 01:11:18.170 --> 01:11:18.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Ano yung asr-000969 01:11:18.470 --> 01:11:19.950 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: plano niyong asr-000970 01:11:19.950 --> 01:11:22.110 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: targeted office? asr-000971 01:11:22.350 --> 01:11:23.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Very near the Senate, Your Honor. asr-000972 01:11:23.730 --> 01:11:24.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Very near the Senate. asr-000973 01:11:24.890 --> 01:11:28.010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because there's a glut of offices, of buildings here. asr-000974 01:11:28.410 --> 01:11:29.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And the prices are very reasonable. asr-000975 01:11:29.730 --> 01:11:30.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually... asr-000976 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. asr-000977 01:11:34.410 --> 01:11:35.450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's why it's the timing. asr-000978 01:11:35.630 --> 01:11:36.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I was always... asr-000979 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, asr-000980 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. asr-000981 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 asr-000982 01:11:50.970 --> 01:11:53.670 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to stop constructing buildings and just buy them. asr-000983 01:11:54.070 --> 01:11:55.010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it's much cheaper. asr-000984 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. asr-000985 01:12:01.330 --> 01:12:03.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's publicly known to people. asr-000986 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. asr-000987 01:12:10.470 --> 01:12:11.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Ten years in the making. asr-000988 01:12:11.810 --> 01:12:13.430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Eight years in the making, Your Honor. asr-000989 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. asr-000990 01:12:19.150 --> 01:12:20.850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It will only fit a Wigo, Your Honor. asr-000991 01:12:20.910 --> 01:12:22.330 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mr. Chairman, and... asr-000992 01:12:23.070 --> 01:12:27.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi pagka kayo nagpagawa ng building, ang implementing agency is DPWH. asr-000993 01:12:28.330 --> 01:12:29.530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, again, that's bad news. asr-000994 01:12:31.330 --> 01:12:32.570 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: That's what David wants. asr-000995 01:12:33.510 --> 01:12:34.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. asr-000996 01:12:34.590 --> 01:12:36.230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mr. Chairman, if I may... asr-000997 01:12:36.230 --> 01:12:37.150 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Senator Lackson. asr-000998 01:12:37.270 --> 01:12:38.270 Senator Panfilo Lacson: It came to my mind. asr-000999 01:12:38.430 --> 01:12:42.330 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Inisip ko lang, I was just mulling over the idea na asr-001000 01:12:43.110 --> 01:12:45.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And I need the legal opinion of the ombudsman here. asr-001001 01:12:46.510 --> 01:12:51.230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi ang bill naman is amendment ng Ombudsman Act, di ba? asr-001002 01:12:51.230 --> 01:12:56.250 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So pwedeng i-incorporate doon na kung meron kayong ma-gain ang government, asr-001003 01:12:56.430 --> 01:12:58.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: national government or treasury, sa restitution, asr-001004 01:12:59.230 --> 01:13:01.230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: baka parang akin to the asr-001005 01:13:01.330 --> 01:13:02.490 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Customs modernization. asr-001006 01:13:03.190 --> 01:13:08.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Part of that would be earmarked para sa madagdagan yung budget. asr-001007 01:13:09.510 --> 01:13:14.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: This will be your non-tax revenue, if I may say so. asr-001008 01:13:14.990 --> 01:13:16.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, probably during the... asr-001009 01:13:16.730 --> 01:13:20.870 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, magkakomite hearing naman, mag-a-attend naman si Assistant Ombudsman Ellie. asr-001010 01:13:21.210 --> 01:13:24.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So pwedeng i-incorporate yung provision na ganoon na asr-001011 01:13:25.470 --> 01:13:30.390 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Maybe 10 or 20 percent of whatever amount is restituted asr-001012 01:13:30.390 --> 01:13:31.310 Senator Panfilo Lacson: should be incorporated. asr-001013 01:13:31.330 --> 01:13:33.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: And it's covered by law. asr-001014 01:13:33.730 --> 01:13:37.950 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So hindi pwedeng galawin na yung part of the restituted amount. asr-001015 01:13:38.790 --> 01:13:39.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It looks very appreciated. asr-001016 01:13:40.630 --> 01:13:42.130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We appreciate that very much. asr-001017 01:13:42.230 --> 01:13:42.990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Wala namang legal infirmity. asr-001018 01:13:43.190 --> 01:13:44.510 Senator Panfilo Lacson: There's no legal infirmity. asr-001019 01:13:44.990 --> 01:13:45.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you. asr-001020 01:13:45.710 --> 01:13:46.430 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-001021 01:13:47.590 --> 01:13:48.670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Mr. President. asr-001022 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. asr-001023 01:13:53.010 --> 01:14:00.210 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Because upon approval of the Supreme Court Judiciary Marshal, asr-001024 01:14:00.210 --> 01:14:00.310 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: the Supreme Court Judiciary Marshal, asr-001025 01:14:01.330 --> 01:14:02.950 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: it took effect in 2022. asr-001026 01:14:03.610 --> 01:14:10.310 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: But they only appointed the Chief Marshal in 2025. asr-001027 01:14:11.250 --> 01:14:12.370 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Three years after. asr-001028 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. asr-001029 01:14:18.890 --> 01:14:19.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sure. asr-001030 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 asr-001031 01:14:23.390 --> 01:14:26.490 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: on what happened to them and why everything took so long. asr-001032 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. asr-001033 01:14:29.110 --> 01:14:29.870 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. Thank you. asr-001034 01:14:29.870 --> 01:14:32.850 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, during these budget hearings, asr-001035 01:14:33.170 --> 01:14:36.910 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: because of the reforms that were instituted, asr-001036 01:14:37.050 --> 01:14:40.170 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: started by our Senate President, Win Gatchalian, last year, asr-001037 01:14:40.490 --> 01:14:43.590 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we're encouraging participation from the watchdogs asr-001038 01:14:43.590 --> 01:14:45.790 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and civil society organizations. asr-001039 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. asr-001040 01:14:52.710 --> 01:14:56.290 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many fact-finding investigations, case build-ups, asr-001041 01:14:56.290 --> 01:14:58.990 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and lifestyle checks were separately opened, completed, asr-001042 01:14:58.990 --> 01:15:00.010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and pending in 2025 asr-001043 01:15:00.000 --> 01:15:01.680 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and 2026. asr-001044 01:15:02.620 --> 01:15:07.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise, how many lifestyle checks led to administrative cases, asr-001045 01:15:07.160 --> 01:15:09.640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: criminal charges, forfeiture proceedings, dismissals, asr-001046 01:15:10.080 --> 01:15:11.500 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: or recovery of assets? asr-001047 01:15:12.600 --> 01:15:15.840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And how many senior officials or cases involving large amounts? asr-001048 01:15:16.620 --> 01:15:17.640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Anybody can answer. asr-001049 01:15:17.980 --> 01:15:22.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sir, we have a table here that shows our case buildup asr-001050 01:15:22.940 --> 01:15:29.080 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: beginning of January 2025 for the balance, 131. asr-001051 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. asr-001052 01:15:37.920 --> 01:15:42.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So the newly instituted case buildup, fact-finding, asr-001053 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. asr-001054 01:15:53.540 --> 01:15:58.720 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So completely disposed in 2025 were 99 case buildup, asr-001055 01:15:59.080 --> 01:16:05.320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: 1,030 lifestyle checks, for a total of 1,129. asr-001056 01:16:07.500 --> 01:16:09.180 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So we have the figures here, Your Honor. asr-001057 01:16:09.500 --> 01:16:10.680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We can submit this to the committee. asr-001058 01:16:10.920 --> 01:16:11.520 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, thank you. asr-001059 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, asr-001060 01:16:17.340 --> 01:16:19.180 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: grave offenses, and large sums, asr-001061 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? asr-001062 01:16:25.020 --> 01:16:28.100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many such cases were filed and resolved annually? asr-001063 01:16:29.080 --> 01:16:33.440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Doon sa mga high-ranking officials, grave offenses? asr-001064 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, asr-001065 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. asr-001066 01:17:15.560 --> 01:17:17.320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, we'll just wait for the submission. asr-001067 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, asr-001068 01:17:21.580 --> 01:17:23.860 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: suspended, sama na rin siguro ito sa report, asr-001069 01:17:24.320 --> 01:17:27.660 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: suspended, fined, reprimanded, or otherwise sanctioned? asr-001070 01:17:27.660 --> 01:17:31.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: How many Ombudsman decisions were actually implemented by agencies? asr-001071 01:17:32.120 --> 01:17:33.300 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So this is it. asr-001072 01:17:33.760 --> 01:17:35.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Or how many were overturned? asr-001073 01:17:35.240 --> 01:17:36.240 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Or modified or appealed? asr-001074 01:17:36.320 --> 01:17:37.800 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Probably can include this also in the report. asr-001075 01:17:37.800 --> 01:17:39.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will submit that, Your Honor. asr-001076 01:17:39.260 --> 01:17:40.240 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will submit to the committee. asr-001077 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 asr-001078 01:17:46.040 --> 01:17:49.840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: to participate in anti-corruption efforts of the Ombudsman? asr-001079 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? asr-001080 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. asr-001081 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. asr-001082 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, asr-001083 01:18:16.060 --> 01:18:18.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but nothing is supported by the statements. asr-001084 01:18:19.520 --> 01:18:21.660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: So it will be a little more complicated. asr-001085 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, asr-001086 01:18:26.800 --> 01:18:28.340 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: then we can act faster, Your Honor. asr-001087 01:18:31.210 --> 01:18:33.090 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: There's a question from the media. asr-001088 01:18:33.650 --> 01:18:37.010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Bakit kailangan ng Ombudsman ng 54 million na confidential funds? asr-001089 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, asr-001090 01:18:43.250 --> 01:18:47.010 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: pero pinapa-realign in other items, no. asr-001091 01:18:47.550 --> 01:18:49.390 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: So it's from the media. asr-001092 01:18:49.970 --> 01:18:55.920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think we're more aggressive in pursuing investigations, Your Honor, asr-001093 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. asr-001094 01:19:04.000 --> 01:19:04.980 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Kaya pala natutulog noon. asr-001095 01:19:06.440 --> 01:19:07.900 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Sige, President Pro Tempore. asr-001096 01:19:07.900 --> 01:19:09.900 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Chairman, that's it. asr-001097 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. asr-001098 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, asr-001099 01:19:24.100 --> 01:19:26.720 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for confidential funds, hindi ba? asr-001100 01:19:28.040 --> 01:19:33.400 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: And definitely, as we mentioned, in these budget hearings, asr-001101 01:19:33.400 --> 01:19:39.820 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: we will confine confidential funds asr-001102 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. asr-001103 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. asr-001104 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. asr-001105 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, asr-001106 01:20:03.100 --> 01:20:05.100 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: whatever ano kung mabibili noon. asr-001107 01:20:05.100 --> 01:20:08.660 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Probably, our Senate President, you have some questions? asr-001108 01:20:08.660 --> 01:20:09.660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-001109 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. asr-001110 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. asr-001111 01:20:25.860 --> 01:20:34.760 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Admittedly, kailangan talaga ng legitimate purchase of information asr-001112 01:20:34.760 --> 01:20:37.500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: para ma-establish yung evidence, asr-001113 01:20:37.500 --> 01:20:39.500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: lalong lumakas yung kaso at makasuhan natin asr-001114 01:20:39.660 --> 01:20:40.660 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: at manalo tayo sa pagkaso asr-001115 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. asr-001116 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 asr-001117 01:20:56.960 --> 01:20:57.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: will file. asr-001118 01:20:57.960 --> 01:21:02.180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I have a few policy questions, Ombudsman. asr-001119 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. asr-001120 01:21:06.460 --> 01:21:07.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: yung barangay term setting. asr-001121 01:21:07.460 --> 01:21:08.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: no? asr-001123 01:21:09.460 --> 01:21:13.820 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And kayo, nag-local government rin kayo, Ombudsman. asr-001124 01:21:13.820 --> 01:21:19.700 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: May plano kasi habaan yung term to five years. asr-001125 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. asr-001126 01:21:24.520 --> 01:21:26.140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Lalo na kung corrupt. asr-001127 01:21:26.140 --> 01:21:27.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Di ba, Tito Sen? asr-001128 01:21:27.460 --> 01:21:30.560 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yun yung interpolation mo kahapon. asr-001129 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. asr-001130 01:21:36.460 --> 01:21:37.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And then what are the asr-001131 01:21:37.460 --> 01:21:38.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: recourses asr-001132 01:21:38.460 --> 01:21:44.120 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: that our constituents can go to, especially with the Ombudsman? asr-001133 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? asr-001134 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. asr-001135 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, asr-001136 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. asr-001137 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. asr-001138 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, asr-001139 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. asr-001140 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. asr-001141 01:22:32.720 --> 01:22:33.900 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that... asr-001142 01:22:33.920 --> 01:22:39.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That I spoke about to Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. asr-001143 01:22:39.180 --> 01:22:40.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I told him about this problem that we have. asr-001144 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 asr-001145 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. asr-001146 01:22:56.180 --> 01:22:57.880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I mean, sometimes we feel that way. asr-001147 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 asr-001148 01:23:03.120 --> 01:23:03.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because... asr-001149 01:23:03.920 --> 01:23:07.320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: There was somebody dismissed by the office of the ombudsman asr-001150 01:23:07.320 --> 01:23:10.280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who was... asr-001151 01:23:10.280 --> 01:23:12.440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Which decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals asr-001152 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. asr-001153 01:23:19.100 --> 01:23:23.300 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I could not honor that kind of logic asr-001154 01:23:23.300 --> 01:23:24.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because he had been dismissed already. asr-001155 01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:30.000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And if you will be reversed in your dismissal, asr-001156 01:23:30.480 --> 01:23:32.100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: what then is the power given to us? asr-001157 01:23:32.100 --> 01:23:33.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If that will be the case. asr-001158 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. asr-001159 01:23:37.800 --> 01:23:39.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm sorry to say, but as a lawyer, asr-001160 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. asr-001161 01:23:45.660 --> 01:23:48.060 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But sometimes we just have to raise that issue already asr-001162 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. asr-001163 01:23:53.420 --> 01:23:55.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If you talk about foreign investment, asr-001164 01:23:56.160 --> 01:23:58.620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have a problem with foreign investment asr-001165 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. asr-001166 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 asr-001167 01:24:07.960 --> 01:24:11.540 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and by the legislators, by all of us. asr-001168 01:24:12.140 --> 01:24:14.880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's the biggest elephant in the room for this country. asr-001169 01:24:15.640 --> 01:24:20.360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The judiciary has to be examined closely by everybody in government asr-001170 01:24:20.360 --> 01:24:22.920 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and they themselves should go on a soul-searching asr-001171 01:24:22.920 --> 01:24:25.000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we can be a better country. asr-001172 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. asr-001173 01:24:29.770 --> 01:24:32.990 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Ombudsman, I really appreciate your... asr-001174 01:24:35.330 --> 01:24:39.390 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: being proactive instead of just waiting for cases to be filed asr-001175 01:24:39.390 --> 01:24:40.510 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: and aaktuhan. asr-001176 01:24:40.950 --> 01:24:43.350 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung nakikita ko na proactive ngayon ang Ombudsman, asr-001177 01:24:43.410 --> 01:24:48.930 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: meaning you go after the issues before it explodes, asr-001178 01:24:49.110 --> 01:24:50.990 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: which is the right way to do. asr-001179 01:24:51.670 --> 01:24:55.030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: However, kagaya ng nasabi ng ating mga kasamahan, asr-001180 01:24:55.250 --> 01:24:58.610 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the wheels of justice, kasama dito ang judiciary. asr-001181 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 asr-001182 01:25:03.790 --> 01:25:05.310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to resolve a case. asr-001183 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. asr-001184 01:25:12.990 --> 01:25:14.850 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And I'm not blaming them. asr-001185 01:25:15.170 --> 01:25:20.030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I am just saying, yung wheels of justice putol eh. asr-001186 01:25:20.230 --> 01:25:21.310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Hindi gumugulong eh. asr-001187 01:25:21.510 --> 01:25:22.410 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Parang na-stuck up siya. asr-001188 01:25:23.010 --> 01:25:28.670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So what efforts is the ombudsman doing together with the judiciary asr-001189 01:25:28.670 --> 01:25:34.670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to resolve this turning of the will of justice asr-001190 01:25:34.670 --> 01:25:35.310 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to make it more effective? asr-001191 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? asr-001192 01:25:42.110 --> 01:25:44.210 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kasi kung ang Ombudsman proactive, asr-001193 01:25:44.870 --> 01:25:45.830 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kabilang banda naman hindi, asr-001194 01:25:46.830 --> 01:25:48.550 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: sayang, sayang yung efforts. asr-001195 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. asr-001196 01:25:56.130 --> 01:25:57.830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: When I was the Secretary of Justice, asr-001197 01:25:57.970 --> 01:26:00.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we had this Justice Sector Coordinating Council, asr-001198 01:26:00.910 --> 01:26:04.630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: which involved the courts, the Department of Justice, asr-001199 01:26:05.330 --> 01:26:07.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and the Department of Interior and Local Government asr-001200 01:26:07.650 --> 01:26:09.990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that we could coordinate our efforts. asr-001201 01:26:10.890 --> 01:26:15.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But actually, that was a program sponsored by the European Union. asr-001202 01:26:15.810 --> 01:26:17.810 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They were the ones that funded that program. asr-001203 01:26:18.470 --> 01:26:22.030 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Probably, we need one that will include the ombudsman, Your Honor, asr-001204 01:26:22.630 --> 01:26:25.010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that the wills of justice will grind faster. asr-001205 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, asr-001206 01:26:29.850 --> 01:26:33.750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think I was in law school when EDSA happened. asr-001207 01:26:33.750 --> 01:26:36.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And if there's one thing that was never touched asr-001208 01:26:36.410 --> 01:26:40.850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with all the EDSAs that happened to this country, asr-001209 01:26:41.210 --> 01:26:41.970 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's the judiciary. asr-001210 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. asr-001211 01:26:49.210 --> 01:26:51.550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is something that we have to examine as a country. asr-001212 01:26:52.150 --> 01:26:59.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because when businessmen come in to invest and create jobs asr-001213 01:26:59.510 --> 01:27:01.750 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and give progress to the country, asr-001214 01:27:02.190 --> 01:27:03.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: when a case is thrown, asr-001215 01:27:03.750 --> 01:27:06.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and a monkey wrench is thrown into the business, asr-001216 01:27:06.710 --> 01:27:09.850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there's no certainty that the case will be finished asr-001217 01:27:09.850 --> 01:27:11.210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: within a certain amount of time. asr-001218 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, asr-001219 01:27:15.310 --> 01:27:17.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: by the senior members of the Supreme Court asr-001220 01:27:17.730 --> 01:27:21.570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: about how fast can justice roll, the wills of justice roll. asr-001221 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. asr-001222 01:27:27.950 --> 01:27:30.210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to be said openly. asr-001223 01:27:30.490 --> 01:27:32.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm daring to do this, Your Honor, asr-001224 01:27:32.110 --> 01:27:33.650 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because I have no more. asr-001225 01:27:33.750 --> 01:27:34.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I have no more aspirations. asr-001226 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 asr-001227 01:27:38.990 --> 01:27:41.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to be able to finish this job, Your Honor. asr-001228 01:27:41.730 --> 01:27:45.210 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And that's why things that have been left unsaid asr-001229 01:27:45.210 --> 01:27:48.170 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: are being said now because it has to happen. asr-001230 01:27:48.630 --> 01:27:51.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: If we're able to cure our justice system asr-001231 01:27:51.770 --> 01:27:53.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and make it function properly, asr-001232 01:27:53.750 --> 01:27:55.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we will be a much better country, Your Honor. asr-001233 01:27:55.770 --> 01:27:57.530 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will be a much, much better country. asr-001234 01:27:58.670 --> 01:28:01.190 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: With your coordination, what's the feedback? asr-001235 01:28:01.190 --> 01:28:02.650 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I heard you say na meron asr-001236 01:28:02.650 --> 01:28:03.190 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: you have a... asr-001237 01:28:03.750 --> 01:28:05.750 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Coordination or that committee. asr-001238 01:28:06.430 --> 01:28:08.030 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Now, what's the feedback from the judiciary? asr-001239 01:28:08.430 --> 01:28:08.770 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Are they all... asr-001240 01:28:08.770 --> 01:28:11.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, I usually speak to my classmates. asr-001241 01:28:11.210 --> 01:28:12.430 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I usually speak to my classmates, asr-001242 01:28:12.790 --> 01:28:14.910 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. asr-001243 01:28:15.470 --> 01:28:18.190 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Of course, sometimes he questions me about speaking out asr-001244 01:28:18.190 --> 01:28:20.090 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: about these things that I'm saying. asr-001245 01:28:20.710 --> 01:28:21.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to be said. asr-001246 01:28:22.410 --> 01:28:23.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We cannot hold this back anymore. asr-001247 01:28:24.010 --> 01:28:27.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I mean, how many times do you have in your life asr-001248 01:28:27.930 --> 01:28:28.990 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to serve as ombudsman asr-001249 01:28:28.990 --> 01:28:32.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and give your critique of what's happening in society? asr-001250 01:28:33.050 --> 01:28:33.630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because it is a role... asr-001251 01:28:33.630 --> 01:28:34.790 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It is a role that was given to us. asr-001252 01:28:36.030 --> 01:28:39.150 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that probably I may be cautioned, asr-001253 01:28:39.190 --> 01:28:40.930 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: but the message arrives. asr-001254 01:28:41.570 --> 01:28:46.130 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And I'm sure that I have distressed our Chief Justice asr-001255 01:28:46.130 --> 01:28:47.770 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: many times with my remarks. asr-001256 01:28:48.330 --> 01:28:49.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But it has to happen. asr-001257 01:28:49.470 --> 01:28:50.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It has to be done, Your Honor. asr-001258 01:28:51.070 --> 01:28:53.830 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm doing this at great risk probably to many lawyers. asr-001259 01:28:54.370 --> 01:28:57.370 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They will not even think about doing something like this. asr-001260 01:28:57.710 --> 01:28:59.710 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But I think I've arrived at the point asr-001261 01:28:59.710 --> 01:29:02.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: where this has to be said properly, Your Honor, asr-001262 01:29:02.750 --> 01:29:03.450 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in order to make it happen. asr-001263 01:29:03.450 --> 01:29:04.950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: In open court, in open session, asr-001264 01:29:05.810 --> 01:29:10.550 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: so that people will know what ails us asr-001265 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 asr-001266 01:29:12.770 --> 01:29:14.110 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if we really look at it. asr-001267 01:29:14.690 --> 01:29:16.070 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And that is one of them, Your Honor, asr-001268 01:29:16.190 --> 01:29:17.730 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: is to be able to correct asr-001269 01:29:17.730 --> 01:29:21.570 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and then make efficient the wheels of justice, Your Honor. asr-001270 01:29:23.130 --> 01:29:24.870 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I support that, Ombudsman. asr-001271 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 asr-001272 01:29:32.350 --> 01:29:33.050 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of our country, asr-001273 01:29:33.450 --> 01:29:33.950 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: our constituents, asr-001274 01:29:34.770 --> 01:29:36.670 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: especially in public service, asr-001275 01:29:38.010 --> 01:29:39.850 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kagaya po sa mga kapitan, asr-001276 01:29:40.590 --> 01:29:42.090 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: iyan diretso sa tao iyan. asr-001277 01:29:42.830 --> 01:29:45.570 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And pag nagsumbong ang tao sa Ombudsman asr-001278 01:29:45.570 --> 01:29:48.070 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: or sa ibang mga government agencies, asr-001279 01:29:48.190 --> 01:29:50.970 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: kung hindi nag-function yung accountability mechanism natin, asr-001280 01:29:51.610 --> 01:29:55.230 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: when I say accountability, lahat ito, asr-001281 01:29:55.410 --> 01:29:57.450 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: from the Ombudsman to the judiciary, asr-001282 01:29:58.910 --> 01:29:59.450 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: hindi naman asr-001283 01:30:00.000 --> 01:30:03.940 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: nadedehado yung respondent asr-001284 01:30:03.940 --> 01:30:05.180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: o yung nakusahan. asr-001285 01:30:05.180 --> 01:30:07.140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Nadedehado yung taong bayan. asr-001286 01:30:07.540 --> 01:30:09.100 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Sila ang nadedehado dito. asr-001287 01:30:09.680 --> 01:30:11.260 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Kaya I really support asr-001288 01:30:11.260 --> 01:30:13.620 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: making our asr-001289 01:30:13.620 --> 01:30:14.940 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: wills of justice efficient. asr-001290 01:30:15.220 --> 01:30:17.340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And that's what hopefully we can asr-001291 01:30:17.340 --> 01:30:19.360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: contribute asr-001292 01:30:19.360 --> 01:30:21.040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: during the budget season. asr-001293 01:30:21.460 --> 01:30:23.420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: In all aspects, in all agencies asr-001294 01:30:23.420 --> 01:30:23.980 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: as well. asr-001295 01:30:25.080 --> 01:30:26.020 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you, Your Honor. asr-001296 01:30:26.420 --> 01:30:29.180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I have a few items in the budget asr-001297 01:30:29.180 --> 01:30:31.500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: that I want to ask. asr-001298 01:30:33.200 --> 01:30:35.340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I asked this last year, but I asr-001299 01:30:35.340 --> 01:30:37.420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: saw an increase in asr-001300 01:30:37.420 --> 01:30:39.400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the development and implementation asr-001301 01:30:39.400 --> 01:30:41.740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of integrity promotion programs asr-001302 01:30:41.740 --> 01:30:43.580 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to generate a critical asr-001303 01:30:43.580 --> 01:30:45.760 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: mass of anti-corruption advocates asr-001304 01:30:45.760 --> 01:30:47.600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: in the campaign against asr-001305 01:30:47.600 --> 01:30:48.900 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: official abuse. asr-001306 01:30:49.520 --> 01:30:52.140 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: From 44 million to 148 asr-001307 01:30:52.140 --> 01:30:52.480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: million. asr-001308 01:30:54.280 --> 01:30:55.540 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Can you give us asr-001309 01:30:55.540 --> 01:30:58.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: a preview on asr-001310 01:30:58.960 --> 01:31:00.900 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: why this program asr-001311 01:31:00.900 --> 01:31:02.440 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: increased? And I support this asr-001312 01:31:02.440 --> 01:31:04.200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: because obviously asr-001313 01:31:04.200 --> 01:31:07.180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: fighting corruption asr-001314 01:31:07.180 --> 01:31:09.180 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: comes with promoting asr-001315 01:31:09.180 --> 01:31:10.220 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: anti-corruption. asr-001316 01:31:10.820 --> 01:31:12.920 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Making sure that if we can promote it asr-001317 01:31:12.920 --> 01:31:14.460 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: to our students, it's better asr-001318 01:31:14.460 --> 01:31:16.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: for them to know the consequences asr-001319 01:31:17.600 --> 01:31:19.740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: before they enter the government service. asr-001320 01:31:20.000 --> 01:31:20.420 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And also asr-001321 01:31:20.420 --> 01:31:22.480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: the noble asr-001322 01:31:22.480 --> 01:31:24.860 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: philosophy asr-001323 01:31:24.860 --> 01:31:26.480 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: of going into public service. asr-001324 01:31:26.480 --> 01:31:27.500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So, I just want to get asr-001325 01:31:27.500 --> 01:31:28.740 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: feedback. asr-001326 01:31:28.960 --> 01:31:30.800 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: On why this program increased asr-001327 01:31:30.800 --> 01:31:32.800 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: by almost three-folds. asr-001328 01:31:33.300 --> 01:31:35.660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, in the Ombudsman's office, asr-001329 01:31:35.660 --> 01:31:36.860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we have a small auditorium asr-001330 01:31:37.540 --> 01:31:38.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: where we entertain asr-001331 01:31:39.900 --> 01:31:42.000 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: students and advocates asr-001332 01:31:42.000 --> 01:31:43.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of good governance asr-001333 01:31:43.840 --> 01:31:45.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to give us a visit so that we can asr-001334 01:31:45.940 --> 01:31:47.580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: have a dialogue and they can observe asr-001335 01:31:48.100 --> 01:31:49.620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: the goings-on in our office. asr-001336 01:31:50.220 --> 01:31:52.540 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And we deem this to be a very effective asr-001337 01:31:52.540 --> 01:31:53.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: tool, Your Honor, especially asr-001338 01:31:54.400 --> 01:31:56.100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: with young people being brought in. asr-001339 01:31:57.100 --> 01:31:58.960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: People who are in high asr-001340 01:31:58.960 --> 01:32:02.300 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: school, whose minds asr-001341 01:32:02.300 --> 01:32:05.140 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: who are in their formative years, asr-001342 01:32:05.140 --> 01:32:07.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: can be able to absorb the ideas asr-001343 01:32:07.200 --> 01:32:10.660 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: of fighting corruption very early. asr-001344 01:32:10.660 --> 01:32:12.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It has to start, I mean, asr-001345 01:32:12.940 --> 01:32:14.940 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, if we can do this as a program asr-001346 01:32:14.940 --> 01:32:17.580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: in our educational system, asr-001347 01:32:17.580 --> 01:32:20.980 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I think we would really be a better country. asr-001348 01:32:20.980 --> 01:32:23.440 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that has to start from the youth. asr-001349 01:32:23.440 --> 01:32:27.580 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's like when we marvel at the Japanese children asr-001350 01:32:27.580 --> 01:32:28.960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: walking to school, asr-001351 01:32:28.960 --> 01:32:33.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: unaccompanied by parents without any assistance, asr-001352 01:32:33.040 --> 01:32:35.500 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: because the culture has been created to do that. asr-001353 01:32:35.500 --> 01:32:37.740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's something that we can create in our country asr-001354 01:32:37.740 --> 01:32:42.900 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to start them young in trying to fight corruption asr-001355 01:32:42.900 --> 01:32:45.780 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and to be able to know the concept of corruption asr-001356 01:32:45.780 --> 01:32:47.680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: as a bad concept, Your Honor. asr-001357 01:32:48.940 --> 01:32:50.980 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you for that, Ombudsman. asr-001358 01:32:50.980 --> 01:32:52.540 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I really support that. asr-001359 01:32:52.540 --> 01:32:56.040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: If we can open the eyes and minds of our students asr-001360 01:32:56.040 --> 01:32:58.840 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: in not being in integrity, asr-001361 01:32:58.960 --> 01:32:59.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: and fighting corruption, asr-001362 01:32:59.960 --> 01:33:04.080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: I think that is the best direction. asr-001363 01:33:04.080 --> 01:33:09.280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: And is this program directed towards that? asr-001364 01:33:09.280 --> 01:33:11.080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung mga sa mga bata? asr-001365 01:33:11.080 --> 01:33:14.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. asr-001366 01:33:14.200 --> 01:33:16.200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Actually, meron akong anecdote. asr-001367 01:33:16.200 --> 01:33:17.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Nakwento ko ito sa ating chairman eh. asr-001368 01:33:17.960 --> 01:33:21.600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Pag may mga lumalapit sa akin asr-001369 01:33:21.600 --> 01:33:25.240 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: humihingi ng job recommendation sa gobyerno, asr-001370 01:33:25.240 --> 01:33:28.080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: ang pinipili nila kaagad customs. asr-001371 01:33:28.080 --> 01:33:28.880 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: No. asr-001372 01:33:28.880 --> 01:33:29.440 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Halos lahat. asr-001373 01:33:29.440 --> 01:33:30.080 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Sabi ko sa inyo, halos lahat asr-001374 01:33:30.080 --> 01:33:34.120 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: ng recommendation customs. asr-001375 01:33:34.120 --> 01:33:36.400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: But the recommendation is for the wrong reason. asr-001376 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, asr-001377 01:33:42.360 --> 01:33:44.160 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: wrong reasons yung kanilang iniisip. asr-001378 01:33:44.160 --> 01:33:45.000 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Bakit customs? asr-001379 01:33:45.000 --> 01:33:51.200 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Bakit hindi sa DOST or sa ibang mga agencies? asr-001380 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. asr-001381 01:33:58.080 --> 01:33:59.360 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Yung kultura nila maiba, asr-001382 01:33:59.360 --> 01:34:01.400 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: yung kanilang pag-iisip. asr-001383 01:34:01.400 --> 01:34:04.040 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, I also encountered the same. asr-001384 01:34:04.040 --> 01:34:10.120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I had the same experience as somebody working for government. asr-001385 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. asr-001386 01:34:14.920 --> 01:34:17.560 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: LTO is another target for many of them. asr-001387 01:34:17.560 --> 01:34:20.760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The revenue-generating agencies actually attract a lot of... asr-001388 01:34:20.760 --> 01:34:22.360 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: And BIR, Your Honor. asr-001389 01:34:22.360 --> 01:34:23.400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The BIR. asr-001390 01:34:23.400 --> 01:34:25.760 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's... asr-001391 01:34:25.760 --> 01:34:27.400 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: But we know that it's possible asr-001392 01:34:27.400 --> 01:34:28.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: to change the asr-001393 01:34:28.200 --> 01:34:29.320 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: culture. asr-001394 01:34:29.360 --> 01:34:30.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor. asr-001395 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. asr-001396 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. asr-001397 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, asr-001398 01:34:41.680 --> 01:34:43.520 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: the way that they comport themselves. asr-001399 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. asr-001400 01:34:46.600 --> 01:34:47.640 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Ambudsman. asr-001401 01:34:47.640 --> 01:34:48.960 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-001402 01:34:48.960 --> 01:34:50.600 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: That's it for me. asr-001403 01:34:50.600 --> 01:34:51.480 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. asr-001404 01:34:51.480 --> 01:34:55.000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Siguro we just have a few questions. asr-001405 01:34:55.000 --> 01:34:55.880 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Lacson. asr-001406 01:34:55.880 --> 01:34:56.200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yes. asr-001407 01:34:56.200 --> 01:34:57.480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Gusto ko lang makuha yung official asr-001408 01:34:57.480 --> 01:34:58.480 Senator Panfilo Lacson: position ng Ombudsman doon sa... asr-001409 01:34:58.480 --> 01:34:59.200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi nag-pass kami ng asr-001410 01:34:59.200 --> 01:35:00.400 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act. asr-001411 01:35:00.400 --> 01:35:05.080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Because we passed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act. asr-001412 01:35:05.080 --> 01:35:09.160 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Of course, guaranteed naman talaga sa Constitution yung fiscal autonomy. asr-001413 01:35:09.160 --> 01:35:11.200 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pero ito na-strengthen pa. asr-001414 01:35:11.200 --> 01:35:16.080 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But again, ano yung official position ninyo if we enact a similar law asr-001415 01:35:16.080 --> 01:35:24.390 Senator Panfilo Lacson: that mirrors the statutory powers, yung fiscal autonomy ng judiciary? asr-001416 01:35:24.390 --> 01:35:28.630 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, we have to... asr-001417 01:35:28.630 --> 01:35:29.950 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: I'm in favor of that, Your Honor. asr-001418 01:35:29.950 --> 01:35:30.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That the judiciary should asr-001419 01:35:30.470 --> 01:35:30.870 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: have fiscal autonomy. asr-001420 01:35:30.870 --> 01:35:32.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Before that happens, asr-001421 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 asr-001422 01:35:37.990 --> 01:35:40.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: that have to be answered, Your Honor. asr-001423 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, asr-001424 01:35:47.630 --> 01:35:51.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we might be disappointed. asr-001425 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. asr-001426 01:35:55.430 --> 01:35:58.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I was referring to the Ombudsman getting the same statutory protection. asr-001427 01:35:58.590 --> 01:35:59.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Magkaroon din kayo, asr-001428 01:35:59.790 --> 01:36:00.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi pagka merong fiscal autonomy, asr-001429 01:36:00.470 --> 01:36:08.990 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung parang full fiscal autonomy, not just in the implementation, asr-001430 01:36:08.990 --> 01:36:11.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: but in the proposal. asr-001431 01:36:11.450 --> 01:36:17.350 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But I notice also, kasi in spite of the passage of that law, asr-001432 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. asr-001433 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. asr-001434 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, asr-001435 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 asr-001436 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 asr-001437 01:36:48.530 --> 01:36:49.530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Expenditure Program. asr-001438 01:36:49.530 --> 01:36:51.530 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kami na magre-review. asr-001439 01:36:51.530 --> 01:36:56.610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Ang nangyari, I think it was slashed by two billion yata, asr-001440 01:36:56.610 --> 01:36:59.750 Senator Panfilo Lacson: o three billion eh, as proposed. asr-001441 01:36:59.750 --> 01:37:01.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So where's the fiscal autonomy? asr-001442 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 asr-001443 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 asr-001444 01:37:14.670 --> 01:37:17.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pagdating sa budgeting process. asr-001445 01:37:17.470 --> 01:37:19.890 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Well, we can use that, Your Honor. asr-001446 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. asr-001447 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. asr-001448 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, asr-001449 01:37:31.610 --> 01:37:32.610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Your Honor. asr-001450 01:37:32.610 --> 01:37:33.610 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Mahirap din eh. asr-001451 01:37:33.610 --> 01:37:37.150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pag walang fiscal autonomy, at least sa implementation, sa paggastos, okay yun eh. asr-001452 01:37:37.150 --> 01:37:41.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Pero sa proposal, you're at the mercy of the DBCC. asr-001453 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, asr-001454 01:37:47.150 --> 01:37:50.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: pero ang cut 45% eh. asr-001455 01:37:50.650 --> 01:37:52.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So yun lang. asr-001456 01:37:52.550 --> 01:37:53.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I'm just thinking. asr-001457 01:37:53.550 --> 01:37:54.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi binigyan na namin, asr-001458 01:37:54.590 --> 01:37:55.590 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I think, asr-001459 01:37:55.590 --> 01:37:56.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: [unclear], asr-001464 01:38:00.470 --> 01:38:01.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yun ang asr-001465 01:38:01.470 --> 01:38:02.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: RA number asr-001466 01:38:02.470 --> 01:38:03.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa Judiciary asr-001467 01:38:03.470 --> 01:38:04.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Fiscal Autonomy asr-001468 01:38:04.470 --> 01:38:05.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Act. asr-001469 01:38:05.470 --> 01:38:06.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So ang asr-001470 01:38:06.470 --> 01:38:07.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: official asr-001471 01:38:07.470 --> 01:38:08.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: position ninyo is asr-001472 01:38:08.470 --> 01:38:09.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for that? asr-001473 01:38:09.470 --> 01:38:10.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yeah. asr-001474 01:38:10.470 --> 01:38:11.470 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-001475 01:38:11.470 --> 01:38:12.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes. asr-001476 01:38:12.470 --> 01:38:13.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. asr-001477 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, asr-001478 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 asr-001479 01:38:25.610 --> 01:38:27.610 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: the Office of the Ombudsman asr-001480 01:38:27.610 --> 01:38:29.930 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: shall enjoy fiscal autonomy asr-001481 01:38:29.930 --> 01:38:31.670 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: in its appropriations. We can just asr-001482 01:38:31.670 --> 01:38:33.470 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: enhance, no? asr-001483 01:38:33.470 --> 01:38:34.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: That's already in the Constitution, I think asr-001484 01:38:34.550 --> 01:38:36.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Article XI? asr-001485 01:38:38.250 --> 01:38:38.970 Senator Panfilo Lacson: That's correct. asr-001486 01:38:39.350 --> 01:38:40.670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Section 14 ba yan? Anyway, asr-001487 01:38:41.310 --> 01:38:43.930 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nandiyan na yun, pero ang nire-refer ko asr-001488 01:38:43.930 --> 01:38:44.910 Senator Panfilo Lacson: sa proposal, asr-001489 01:38:45.690 --> 01:38:47.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi yung fiscal autonomy nila is in asr-001490 01:38:47.650 --> 01:38:49.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: the implementation, sa execution ng asr-001491 01:38:49.550 --> 01:38:52.150 Senator Panfilo Lacson: budget, pero hindi covered yung proposal. asr-001492 01:38:52.450 --> 01:38:53.650 Senator Panfilo Lacson: But then I'm wondering, asr-001493 01:38:53.650 --> 01:38:55.290 Senator Panfilo Lacson: meron na nga sa Judiciary, asr-001494 01:38:55.410 --> 01:38:57.450 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kinat pa rin ng DBCC. asr-001495 01:38:58.050 --> 01:38:59.670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So where's the fiscal autonomy asr-001496 01:38:59.670 --> 01:39:02.250 Senator Panfilo Lacson: doon sa proposal? Dapat Congress asr-001497 01:39:02.250 --> 01:39:03.050 Senator Panfilo Lacson: na yung magre-review. asr-001498 01:39:03.650 --> 01:39:04.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Hindi na kayo dadaan sa asr-001499 01:39:04.790 --> 01:39:07.670 Senator Panfilo Lacson: budget call. You'll still be asr-001500 01:39:07.670 --> 01:39:09.370 Senator Panfilo Lacson: reporting to the DBCC asr-001501 01:39:09.370 --> 01:39:11.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: for processing or asr-001502 01:39:11.730 --> 01:39:13.550 Senator Panfilo Lacson: vetting. So, anyway, asr-001503 01:39:13.830 --> 01:39:15.730 Senator Panfilo Lacson: May power naman yung Congress. asr-001504 01:39:15.730 --> 01:39:17.790 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kami naman yung so-called power of the purse, asr-001505 01:39:17.890 --> 01:39:18.310 Senator Panfilo Lacson: maski hindi... asr-001506 01:39:20.550 --> 01:39:21.430 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Kasi hindi naman kami asr-001507 01:39:21.430 --> 01:39:22.230 Senator Panfilo Lacson: nag-i-implement eh. asr-001508 01:39:23.150 --> 01:39:23.590 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Sorry. asr-001509 01:39:23.650 --> 01:39:25.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Probably, a test would be asr-001510 01:39:25.330 --> 01:39:26.350 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: absorptive capacity. asr-001511 01:39:27.130 --> 01:39:29.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: The capacity to asr-001512 01:39:29.510 --> 01:39:31.510 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: spend the money has to be asr-001513 01:39:31.510 --> 01:39:33.470 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: there when we approve these asr-001514 01:39:33.470 --> 01:39:35.050 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: things. Because I think that's the asr-001515 01:39:35.050 --> 01:39:37.310 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: if I put my mind in the asr-001516 01:39:37.310 --> 01:39:39.010 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: myself in the seat of the executive, asr-001517 01:39:39.590 --> 01:39:41.330 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's just clearly wasting asr-001518 01:39:41.330 --> 01:39:43.410 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: resources if they ask for too much asr-001519 01:39:43.410 --> 01:39:44.850 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: and they're not able to spend it, Your Honor. asr-001520 01:39:48.720 --> 01:39:49.160 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator asr-001521 01:39:49.160 --> 01:39:50.720 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: President Pro Temp? asr-001522 01:39:51.060 --> 01:39:52.020 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay na, Senator Lacson? asr-001523 01:39:53.020 --> 01:39:54.100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Senate President Pro Tempore, asr-001524 01:39:54.100 --> 01:39:55.420 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: If you're asr-001525 01:39:55.440 --> 01:39:58.140 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: if you're done with that topic asr-001526 01:39:58.140 --> 01:40:00.300 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: before, before we move asr-001527 01:40:00.300 --> 01:40:02.100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: for the approval of the budget of asr-001528 01:40:02.100 --> 01:40:04.120 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: the Ombudsman, subject, of asr-001529 01:40:04.120 --> 01:40:05.460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: course, to the amendments that are asr-001530 01:40:05.460 --> 01:40:06.460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: being proposed. asr-001531 01:40:07.380 --> 01:40:09.120 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Just out of curiosity, asr-001532 01:40:11.160 --> 01:40:13.080 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: you might not be aware, but asr-001533 01:40:13.080 --> 01:40:14.460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I watch the two of you every asr-001534 01:40:14.460 --> 01:40:15.460 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Saturday. asr-001535 01:40:16.660 --> 01:40:18.540 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And my wife asr-001536 01:40:18.540 --> 01:40:20.520 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: is a fan of your, what asr-001537 01:40:20.520 --> 01:40:22.080 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: do you call that, executive session? asr-001538 01:40:22.080 --> 01:40:23.100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: No. asr-001539 01:40:23.100 --> 01:40:25.380 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: One time you were quoted asr-001540 01:40:25.440 --> 01:40:27.800 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: to say that ang tindi ng corruption asr-001541 01:40:27.800 --> 01:40:29.140 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: sa basura ng LGU. asr-001542 01:40:29.140 --> 01:40:39.820 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: How do they do that? I'm interested because asr-001543 01:40:39.820 --> 01:40:42.040 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: I have friends in the LGU asr-001544 01:40:42.040 --> 01:40:44.660 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: that are interested to find out how they asr-001545 01:40:45.520 --> 01:40:45.980 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: will be able to stop it. asr-001546 01:40:45.980 --> 01:40:47.960 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Ombudsman? asr-001547 01:40:47.960 --> 01:40:51.920 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: or stop it with the Ombudsman. asr-001548 01:40:51.920 --> 01:40:54.100 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor, may mga character tayo sa society asr-001549 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. asr-001550 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. asr-001551 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 asr-001552 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. asr-001553 01:41:19.280 --> 01:41:22.280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Segregation, proper sanitary landfills. asr-001554 01:41:22.280 --> 01:41:25.860 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Everything becomes a dump, Your Honor. asr-001555 01:41:26.280 --> 01:41:26.960 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: That's the problem. asr-001556 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. asr-001557 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, asr-001558 01:41:46.740 --> 01:41:48.220 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: it's big money for them, Your Honor. asr-001559 01:41:48.700 --> 01:41:53.720 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Because the budgets for basura is so big that asr-001560 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. asr-001561 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, asr-001562 01:42:02.720 --> 01:42:03.880 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: we've seen it happen, Your Honor. asr-001563 01:42:04.460 --> 01:42:07.420 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: These basura kings are around the metropolis, Your Honor. asr-001564 01:42:08.700 --> 01:42:10.480 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: And also nationwide. asr-001565 01:42:11.440 --> 01:42:12.260 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Nationwide, Your Honor. asr-001566 01:42:14.600 --> 01:42:18.600 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: It's actually, when I started talking about this basura, asr-001567 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. asr-001568 01:42:23.720 --> 01:42:24.680 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We know it to be true, Your Honor. asr-001569 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 asr-001570 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? asr-001571 01:42:46.200 --> 01:42:48.800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will create a special investigative team for this, Your Honor. asr-001572 01:42:49.200 --> 01:42:49.800 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will do it. asr-001573 01:42:49.940 --> 01:42:51.960 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: All right. Thank you very much. Thank you for that. asr-001574 01:42:51.960 --> 01:42:52.620 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Thank you. asr-001575 01:42:52.620 --> 01:42:53.600 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Napag-usapan niyong basura. asr-001576 01:42:53.720 --> 01:42:55.880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: I was tempted to inquire about the Taguig. asr-001577 01:42:57.840 --> 01:43:00.700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Baka mapagbintangan ako, nagde-demolition job. asr-001578 01:43:00.760 --> 01:43:07.020 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Anyway, we're quietly but surely assisting the Ombudsman in this regard, asr-001579 01:43:07.020 --> 01:43:09.740 Senator Panfilo Lacson: kasi I understand the complexity of the problem, asr-001580 01:43:10.340 --> 01:43:12.780 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung volume ng mga graft and corruption cases. asr-001581 01:43:13.140 --> 01:43:15.240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Yung office nga lang namin, Mr. Ombudsman, asr-001582 01:43:16.100 --> 01:43:21.280 Senator Panfilo Lacson: case studies lang ang pinaggugulan namin ng panahon, pero ubos talaga oras namin. asr-001583 01:43:21.280 --> 01:43:23.700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Case studies in Bulacan, asr-001584 01:43:23.840 --> 01:43:26.880 Senator Panfilo Lacson: case studies in Mindoro and in Taguig. asr-001585 01:43:27.080 --> 01:43:28.520 Senator Panfilo Lacson: Hirap na hirap na yung mga staff. asr-001586 01:43:28.520 --> 01:43:32.580 Senator Panfilo Lacson: What more na swarmed by so many cases ang Ombudsman, asr-001587 01:43:32.580 --> 01:43:38.700 Senator Panfilo Lacson: very complex, hindi lang flood control, all sorts of graft and corruption cases. asr-001588 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 asr-001589 01:43:44.400 --> 01:43:49.500 Senator Panfilo Lacson: and in whatever capacity na makatulong kami, like the judicial marshal service, asr-001590 01:43:49.920 --> 01:43:53.240 Senator Panfilo Lacson: yung fiscal autonomy, etcetera. asr-001591 01:43:53.240 --> 01:43:53.680 Senator Panfilo Lacson: So, he says, asr-001592 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. asr-001593 01:44:03.000 --> 01:44:03.600 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Your Honor. asr-001594 01:44:05.480 --> 01:44:06.100 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Mr. Chairman. asr-001595 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. asr-001596 01:44:15.780 --> 01:44:16.780 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, sir, for joining us. asr-001597 01:44:16.780 --> 01:44:20.040 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Mr. Chairman, just a brief intervention lang. asr-001598 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. asr-001599 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. asr-001600 01:44:45.320 --> 01:44:49.280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: From 144 rank naging 120 rank na tayo. asr-001601 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... asr-001602 01:45:00.000 --> 01:45:02.640 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: alam naman natin, are junta states. asr-001603 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. asr-001604 01:45:13.160 --> 01:45:14.340 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Apektado tayo lahat eh. asr-001605 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. asr-001606 01:45:20.640 --> 01:45:22.280 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: Walang nag-i-invest sa ating bansa. asr-001607 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. asr-001608 01:45:28.900 --> 01:45:32.500 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So it's really a big challenge for all of us. asr-001609 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 asr-001610 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. asr-001611 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. asr-001612 01:45:52.860 --> 01:45:55.300 Senator Sherwin "Win" T. Gatchalian: So kailangan talaga magtulong-tulong tayo diyan. asr-001613 01:45:56.640 --> 01:45:57.460 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, sir. asr-001614 01:45:58.900 --> 01:46:03.120 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Our Blue Ribbon Chair is also here. asr-001615 01:46:03.280 --> 01:46:04.220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you for joining us. asr-001616 01:46:04.540 --> 01:46:06.580 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Senator Erwin Tulfo, you now have the floor. asr-001617 01:46:12.460 --> 01:46:16.240 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Anyway, I don't know, Mr. Chair, if this was already asked. asr-001618 01:46:16.240 --> 01:46:18.700 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Ito lang po nakita ko, napansin kanina dito. asr-001619 01:46:19.340 --> 01:46:22.700 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Itong total number of authorized positions, Mr. Chair. asr-001620 01:46:23.440 --> 01:46:28.240 Senator Erwin Tulfo: 2,439 po nire-request po ng authorized positions. asr-001621 01:46:28.900 --> 01:46:33.120 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Pero ang filled positions lamang ay 1,192. asr-001622 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? asr-001623 01:46:43.300 --> 01:46:44.580 Senator Erwin Tulfo: You would need lawyers? asr-001624 01:46:46.040 --> 01:46:48.100 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Sa anong mga positions po ito? asr-001625 01:46:48.820 --> 01:46:52.080 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: We will need more lawyers and technical investigators, Your Honor. asr-001626 01:46:52.420 --> 01:46:58.120 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Engineers who can educate us about infrastructure fraud, infrastructure corruption. asr-001627 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. asr-001628 01:47:06.160 --> 01:47:08.160 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Mga normal positions po ito. asr-001629 01:47:08.160 --> 01:47:09.400 Senator Erwin Tulfo: I mean regular po. asr-001630 01:47:09.920 --> 01:47:11.500 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Regular positions po ito. asr-001631 01:47:11.500 --> 01:47:17.600 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Hindi po ito yung basta-bastang mga contractual employees. asr-001632 01:47:17.920 --> 01:47:18.200 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Your Honor. asr-001633 01:47:18.300 --> 01:47:19.460 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: They are plantilla positions. asr-001634 01:47:19.760 --> 01:47:20.220 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Plantilla positions. asr-001635 01:47:20.240 --> 01:47:20.620 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Yes, Your Honor. asr-001636 01:47:20.840 --> 01:47:21.180 Senator Erwin Tulfo: All right. asr-001637 01:47:21.300 --> 01:47:21.820 Senator Erwin Tulfo: Thank you po. asr-001638 01:47:22.200 --> 01:47:22.940 Senator Erwin Tulfo: That's all, Mr. Chair. asr-001639 01:47:23.640 --> 01:47:26.000 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you, Senator Tulfo. asr-001640 01:47:26.680 --> 01:47:27.040 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Likewise. asr-001641 01:47:27.040 --> 01:47:29.220 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Isang tanong na lang. asr-001642 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, asr-001643 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, asr-001644 01:47:39.700 --> 01:47:43.860 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: and the key accomplishments or challenges encountered recently? asr-001645 01:47:44.320 --> 01:47:47.560 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Siguro, Assistant Ombudsman Bonoan, please. asr-001646 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, asr-001647 01:47:54.280 --> 01:47:55.840 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: which had remained inactive. asr-001648 01:47:55.840 --> 01:47:57.700 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: the last several years. asr-001649 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. asr-001650 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, asr-001651 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. asr-001652 01:48:25.200 --> 01:48:25.820 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Your Honor. asr-001653 01:48:25.840 --> 01:48:26.380 Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga S. Bonoan, Jr.: Thank you. asr-001654 01:48:26.800 --> 01:48:27.320 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Okay, thank you. asr-001655 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. asr-001656 01:48:34.320 --> 01:48:35.840 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Yes, Senate President Pro Tempore. asr-001657 01:48:36.440 --> 01:48:37.200 Senator Vicente C. Sotto III: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asr-001658 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. asr-001659 01:48:44.440 --> 01:48:45.200 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: I second the motion. asr-001660 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, asr-001661 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, asr-001662 01:48:55.840 --> 01:48:59.440 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: subject to the discussion and submission of documents requested. asr-001663 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. asr-001664 01:49:05.360 --> 01:49:05.700 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: Thank you. asr-001665 01:49:06.080 --> 01:49:07.640 Senator Joseph Victor "JV" G. Ejercito: This briefing is hereby suspended. asr-001666 01:49:08.280 --> 01:49:08.740 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you. asr-001667 01:49:08.820 --> 01:49:09.280 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla: Thank you, sir.