Ombudsman says he may remove 1-2 Cavite mayors over alleged corruption, abuse of power

MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla warned that he may remove one or two mayors in Cavite province over alleged corruption, abuse of power and obstruction of business operations.

“I’m gonna remove a mayor or two in Cavite because they are not cooperative with business. They are making things difficult, too much corruption. Abuse of power,” Remulla said Friday, Oct. 23, during a dialogue with members of the lechon industry in Cebu, according to a statement from the Office of the Ombudsman.

Remulla did not name the mayors or give details of the allegations.

He said his office would act against officials accused of demanding money from businesspeople, delaying permit processing and abusing their authority.

Remulla, a former Cavite governor and 7th District representative who became justice secretary in 2022 before his appointment as Ombudsman, cited the province’s economic growth as the result of careful planning and a government that works for its people.

“Cavite’s reputation now is very progressive. That’s because we really planned for it, and we kept government working for the people,” he said.

He also said some officials in certain areas have gone as far as demanding a percentage of business earnings, driving up operating costs.

“It comes to the point that they’ve become partners of businesspeople. They have a percentage of what you’re doing,” Remulla said.

“Your cost of doing business is rising because many people are obstructing. And that is what we want to change,” he added.

Remulla stressed that government should help legitimate businesses instead of making life difficult for them.

“It shouldn’t happen. Government should be there to assist business because you are the economy. Without business, the economy is nothing,” he said.

In response to complaints from the business sector, Remulla announced the opening of an “Investors’ Window” at the Ombudsman’s office, giving businesspeople and investors a direct channel to report officials and transactions that affect their operations.

“We’re opening this Investors’ Window at the Ombudsman. Whatever problems the business sector has, they can tell us and we will find a way,” Remulla said.

The Ombudsman’s office said the mechanism will focus on complaints involving extortion, abuse of power, unreasonable delays and other misconduct by government officials.

Remulla said his office will also write to officials reported by the Anti-Red Tape Authority for failing to process permits. He warned they could face suspension if they continue to fail to act.

He also vowed not to yield to pressure to shield powerful individuals from investigation and prosecution.

“There is a lot of pressure on us. Protect this one, don’t go after that one. Don’t jail that person, don’t file a case against that person. No. We have to do it. We will really do it,” he said.

The Ombudsman’s office said the dialogue with the lechon industry in Cebu is part of its Investment Ombudsman program, which aims to strengthen ties with the business sector and identify governance problems affecting the economy.