Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government must secure the conviction of at least one major smuggling figure to show the public that authorities are serious in fighting agricultural economic sabotage.
Remulla made the statement on Monday, September 28, during the ceremonial signing of a tripartite agreement among the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on inter-agency coordination against agricultural economic sabotage.
Asked whether the agreement could lead to the imprisonment of smugglers, Remulla said authorities were already working on cases that could be filed against individuals who had been arrested.
“Pinag-usapan na namin kanina ‘yan at ang sabi ko sa kanila, we have to convict somebody. We have to convict a big fish para ito talaga ay maniwala ang tao,” Remulla said.
He said authorities were already discussing cases that could be pursued and vowed to use appropriate legal measures to ensure that the cases would result in convictions.
“Pinag-usapan namin bago kami pumasok dito ‘yung mga kaso na pwedeng i-file sa mga taong nahuli na at sisiguraduhin ma-convict ng korte at meron kaming mga legal techniques na gagamitin para maayos ‘to,” he said.
Remulla also warned those who continue to engage in illegal activities that the government would pursue cases whenever sufficient evidence is found.
“Well, ano ‘yan eh. Ako naman hindi ako marunong manakot ng tao. Basta’t ako gagawin ko ‘yung trabaho ko. Basta’t meron kaming nakitang ebidensya ipa-file namin ‘yan,” he said.
“Wala naman kaming ano eh, wala kaming sinisino eh. Wala tayong sinasanto. Kailangan mangyari ‘yun,” Remulla added.
The Ombudsman said his office would also work to improve government services and address complaints involving regulatory agencies.
He said he plans to convene a summit involving regulatory agencies to address problems affecting the public, including poor telecommunications services, water supply and alleged abuse of franchises by electric companies.
“Ginagawang mabuti ang trabaho para mas maganda ang buhay ng taong bayan,” Remulla said.
He said the Ombudsman would study these concerns to ensure that regulatory agencies properly perform their duties and improve public services.
Remulla also cited the role of the Office of the Ombudsman under the 1987 Constitution as a venue for citizens seeking protection against abuses in government.
“Kaya nga merong Ombudsman sa 1987 Constitution kasi ito na lang ‘yung huling hantungan ng taong bayan para makahingi ng tulong mula sa pang-aabuso ng gobyerno,” he said.#