Photo credit: DOJ

Many in the legal community are uneasy.

The sudden appointment of former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as Ombudsman has raised fears that the Department of Justice may lose the urgency and courage to finish what he started, particularly in the long-delayed missing sabungeros case.

We have spoken with several veteran private litigation lawyers, and they share the same concern: the momentum built under Remulla’s tenure might be slowly fading.

One said bluntly, “Whatever you thought of Remulla, he got things done. Without him, the DOJ might hesitate again.”

Remulla’s three years at the DOJ were anything but quiet. He inherited an agency drowning in backlogs and public distrust, and he left it leaner, more assertive, and more respected.

His tenure saw case congestion reduced, dormant investigations revived, and cooperation with other justice institutions renewed.

He was controversial, and he knew it, but few dispute his results.

Under his leadership, the DOJ pursued cases against POGO operators accused of trafficking and money laundering; filed charges against Rep. Arnie Teves for the Degamo assassination; and indicted Gerald Bantag and Ricardo Zulueta for the Percy Lapid murder.

Even the long “untouchable” cases involving Atong Ang and the missing sabungeros were revived, despite the heavy political influence of the personalities involved.

Remulla was not afraid to touch the untouchables. He faced pressure head-on and told prosecutors to file if the evidence was solid, whoever got hit, got hit.

That toughness was matched by reform. In cooperation with the Supreme Court, the DOJ issued Department Circular No. 20 in 2023, raising the evidentiary standard before filing a case in court.

Prosecutors were now required to ensure not only probable cause but also a reasonable certainty of conviction.

In 2024, his office overturned the earlier dismissal by the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City of complaints against Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and others for sexual abuse, human trafficking, and child abuse.

The case had lingered unresolved for years, but under Remulla’s leadership, the DOJ found probable cause and directed appropriate charges to be filed.

We hope it is not true, but talk is rife that with Remulla’s exit, powerful forces are again trying to influence the sabungeros case.

As days passed after Remulla’s appointment as Ombudsman, whispers grew louder that various individuals were beginning to exert influence to soften charges, delay resolutions, or allow certain names to escape scrutiny.

As one veteran private litigation lawyer told us, “Ginagapang ngayon yan sa loob…” Members of the legal profession echoed these concerns.

We pray these are only rumors. If not, it would betray not only the victims’ families but also the legacy of reform and resolve that Remulla left behind.

This is no time to retreat. It is time to catch the big fish and show that justice in this country cannot be bent by money, power, or name.

The missing sabungeros case, which has haunted the nation for yjears, is nearing its final stage.

Among those accused are businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and 61 others. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

For the families of the missing, grief has not faded. They have spent years begging for answers, writing letters, and waiting outside government offices for justice that never came.

They have no connections, no lawyers on retainer, no power, only hope that government will finally stand for them.

“Ang hirap maghintay,” one said, crying and clutching a worn-out photo of her relative. “Kung patay na siya, sabihin nila. Pero kung buhay pa, hanapin nila.”

That is the real test. The sabungeros case is not just about crime; it is about whether the justice system still works for ordinary Filipinos.

If the DOJ loses its resolve now, then every powerless family who still believes in government loses a piece of faith too.

The DOJ must prove that its strength does not depend on one man’s personality but on enduring institutional courage. The rule of law cannot depend on who occupies the office; it must rest on principle, fairness, and conviction.

Public trust in government has already been shaken by reports of ghost flood control projects and other questionable spending that left communities vulnerable and taxpayers angry.

Even President Marcos Jr. himself has said that trust in government must be restored.

Justice in the missing sabungeros case could be one powerful way to restore that trust. Solving this mystery and punishing those responsible will bring closure to grieving families.

It will also help restore belief that government still works for ordinary Filipinos, not just the rich, the famous, or the powerful.

Justice is not measured by how many cases are filed but by how many truths are fought for, even when those truths are inconvenient. The families of the missing deserve closure, and the nation deserves assurance that those who wield power will finally be held accountable.

It is time to put trust back in government, to show that justice belongs not to the powerful few, but to every Filipino, especially the poor who have nothing but their faith in the law.

Para sa mga inang hindi tumitigil sa pagdadasal, sa mga amang tahimik na umiiyak tuwing gabi, at sa mga pamilyang araw-araw naghihintay ng balita, hustisya ang tanging kayamanang hinihingi nila.

Sana, sa pagkakataong ito, marinig na rin sila ng gobyerno.

Panahon na para maramdaman ng karaniwang tao na ang batas ay hindi para sa may pera lang, kundi para sa lahat.

Mahal na Pangulo, kung hindi ngayon mararamdaman ang hustisya, kailan pa?

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 35 years of experience in corporate, government, and advocacy communications, spanning the terms of seven Philippine presidents. He is also a political analyst, entrepreneur, and media professional. Drawing on this experience, he delivers clear, accessible analysis of political, governance, and business issues.