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Advocates Philippines
Remulla Slams 'Secret' 2019 Decision Clearing Sen. Villanueva
Photo credit: Senate PH
MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has described as a “surprise and secret decision” the 2019 ruling that overturned a dismissal order against Senator Joel Villanueva.
Remulla revealed that the reversal — issued by the Office of the Ombudsman under a previous administration — was made quietly, without anyone in the office knowing about it. “Walang nakaaalam ng nasabing desisyon,” he said, calling the move both unexpected and questionable.
The earlier dismissal order stemmed from alleged fund misuse during Villanueva’s time as a government official. However, the case was reportedly junked in 2019 without public notice, raising transparency concerns.
Remulla said he initially planned to send a letter to then–Senate President Vicente Sotto III but has since decided not to pursue it. Instead, his office will open an investigation into what he described as a “secret action” by the former Ombudsman.
He emphasized that the probe will seek to uncover how such a major decision could have been made without due disclosure.
“We owe it to the public to make sure that actions within the Ombudsman’s office are transparent and accountable,” Remulla said.
Remulla revealed that the reversal — issued by the Office of the Ombudsman under a previous administration — was made quietly, without anyone in the office knowing about it. “Walang nakaaalam ng nasabing desisyon,” he said, calling the move both unexpected and questionable.
The earlier dismissal order stemmed from alleged fund misuse during Villanueva’s time as a government official. However, the case was reportedly junked in 2019 without public notice, raising transparency concerns.
Remulla said he initially planned to send a letter to then–Senate President Vicente Sotto III but has since decided not to pursue it. Instead, his office will open an investigation into what he described as a “secret action” by the former Ombudsman.
He emphasized that the probe will seek to uncover how such a major decision could have been made without due disclosure.
“We owe it to the public to make sure that actions within the Ombudsman’s office are transparent and accountable,” Remulla said.
Oct 23, 2025
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