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Philippines’ Marcos names ally to corruption watchdog post amid flood scandal

Jesus Crispin Remulla’s appointment as ombudsman for flood project corruption has sparked accountability concerns

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr delivers a speech at the 124th Police Service Anniversary ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Metro Manila, in August. Photo: EPA
Bloomberg
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has appointed an ally to lead the nation’s independent anti-corruption watchdog, as his administration continues a clampdown on corruption in infrastructure projects.

As ombudsman, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was “expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently,” Marcos’ communications office said in a statement on Tuesday.

“There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,” it said.

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The position, which has a fixed term of seven years, has become particularly critical as Marcos seeks to crack down on what is looking to be widespread corruption in the state’s flood-control projects that has ignited street protests in the typhoon-prone nation.
Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla attends a Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in March following the ICC arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in Metro Manila. Photo: AFP
Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla attends a Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in March following the ICC arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in Metro Manila. Photo: AFP

Congressional inquiries on the corruption allegations have implicated some lawmakers, including Marcos’ cousin, former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, who, along with other legislators, has denied any wrongdoing.

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