NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman: Nearly P600 Billion Lost In Cases As Delays Stall Recovery
Photo courtesy from PTV
As of Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said his office has received reports showing that nearly ₱600 billion in public funds have effectively been lost due to court delays and legal tactics that have slowed down corruption cases.
“P600-billion na nakaw ang hindi naibabalik!” Remulla said, underscoring the urgent need to fast-track proceedings and recover stolen assets.
According to Remulla, many corruption cases have dragged on for years because of “delay tactics” used by some lawyers — procedural motions and appeals that stretch timelines until cases are dismissed for inordinate delay. He admitted that some cases were already lost because they took too long to resolve.
To fix this, the Ombudsman vowed to accelerate the resolution of pending cases and ensure that those responsible for plundering public funds are held accountable. “Ang pangako ko, bibilisin natin ang mga kaso at sisiguraduhin na may mananagot,” he said.
Remulla’s office is currently reviewing major investigations, including alleged anomalies in flood-control projects and other high-value contracts. Investigators said they have uncovered paper trails and bank transactions linked to questionable transfers worth millions.
The Ombudsman also said restitution — or the return of stolen money — will be a key requirement for anyone seeking to turn state witness in corruption cases.
Observers note that Remulla’s remarks highlight a long-standing problem in the country’s justice system — that justice delayed too often means justice denied.
“P600-billion na nakaw ang hindi naibabalik!” Remulla said, underscoring the urgent need to fast-track proceedings and recover stolen assets.
According to Remulla, many corruption cases have dragged on for years because of “delay tactics” used by some lawyers — procedural motions and appeals that stretch timelines until cases are dismissed for inordinate delay. He admitted that some cases were already lost because they took too long to resolve.
To fix this, the Ombudsman vowed to accelerate the resolution of pending cases and ensure that those responsible for plundering public funds are held accountable. “Ang pangako ko, bibilisin natin ang mga kaso at sisiguraduhin na may mananagot,” he said.
Remulla’s office is currently reviewing major investigations, including alleged anomalies in flood-control projects and other high-value contracts. Investigators said they have uncovered paper trails and bank transactions linked to questionable transfers worth millions.
The Ombudsman also said restitution — or the return of stolen money — will be a key requirement for anyone seeking to turn state witness in corruption cases.
Observers note that Remulla’s remarks highlight a long-standing problem in the country’s justice system — that justice delayed too often means justice denied.
Oct 21, 2025
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