Office of the Ombudsman Philippines

PRESS RELEASE |
29 MAY 2026

OMB preventively suspends Catanduanes Vice Gov and 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan members

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the suspension of Catanduanes Vice Governor Robert Fernandez and 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan members effective immediately.

In an order dated May 22, the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to preventively suspend Fernandez and the 11 SP members without pay for six months.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza over alleged irregularities in the proper utilization and allocation P30.5M of the province’s QRF or Quick Response Fund following the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Uwan” in November 2025.

The respondents, then acting as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or SP, revised the PDRRMC or the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s proposed utilization and allocation of the QRF and moved to use over P26M for cash assistance instead of goods.

Governor Azanza vetoed the SP ordinance citing the DBM-DILG-NDRRMC Joint Circular 2013-1 which does not include cash assistance among the allowable immediate response activities.

Azanza further stressed that the respondents’ acts delayed the utilization of the QRF and further impeded the provincial government from addressing the urgent needs of the affected more than 39,000 families.

Cited also in Azanza’s complaint are other collective acts of the respondents including the deferment of the request for authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development or DHSUD for provisions of construction materials for Super Typhoon Uwan victims.

The respondents allegedly also caused delays in the enactment of budget appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and also issued a resolution in January declaring Governor Azanza as Persona Non Grata in the province.

Suspended with Fernandez are Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Josevan Balidoy, Giovanni Balmadrid, Jose Romeo Francisco, Alvin Rodriguez, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, Dean Roberto Vergara, Tito Villamor, Santos Zafe and Rafael Zuniega.

The order stated “that there is strong evidence showing their guilt” for the charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The suspension order was issued as “their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them.”

Moreover, the order stated that the suspension was warranted as “there is a need to preserve the documents and evidence pertaining to this case which they may have control and custody” and to prevent “further commission of malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office.”

Under the terms of the order, respondents are placed under suspension without pay for a period not to exceed six months, pending the final termination of the administrative adjudication of their case. #

Ombudsman, UP Partner to Promote Anti-Corruption Values through “Aral at Asal” Initiative

The Office of the Ombudsman met with the University of the Philippines at the UP Executive House in Diliman to advance the “Aral at Asal” project, a joint initiative that will produce video materials promoting good citizenship, integrity, and anti-corruption values.

Implemented through TVUP, the project aims to make engaging educational content accessible to schools and the general public, helping strengthen a culture of integrity among Filipinos.

UNODC Conducts Advanced Training on Investigating and Prosecuting Financial Crimes

The Office of the Ombudsman joined fellow agencies in the UNODC Training-Workshop on Investigating and Prosecuting Financial Crimes held on 11–13 February 2026 in Makati City.

Through case-based sessions on financial analysis, digital forensics, cryptocurrency tracing, and coordinated enforcement, participants strengthened skills and collaboration in addressing complex financial crimes.

Ombudsman Personnel Participate in Regional Training on Intelligence-Based Investigation

Thirty-seven personnel of the Office of the Ombudsman participated in the Online Training on Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts through Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI) Methodology conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) on 10–12 February 2026.

The training is expected to enhance competencies in undercover techniques, financial analysis, and AI-enabled investigation to better address complex corruption schemes and strengthen institutional capability.

Ombudsman Charts Reform Agenda at Strategic and Operational Planning Conference

The Office of the Ombudsman successfully held its Strategic and Operational Planning Conference (2026–2032) on 09–13 February 2026 in Baguio City, bringing together leaders and key personnel to define priorities, strengthen institutional capacity, and chart a reform roadmap anchored on integrity, innovation, and accountability.

The conference marked a major step in aligning strategy with action as the Office advances its mission to strengthen public trust and deliver responsive service to the Filipino people.

PRESS RELEASE |
21 MAY 2026

OMB STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNODC

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman reaffirmed its strong partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) following a courtesy visit at the Central Office in Quezon City on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla welcomed UNODC Southeast Asia and the Pacific Anti-Corruption Team Lead Annika Wythes and UNODC Philippines National Programme Officer Atty. Kirbee Tibayan.

The meeting highlighted ongoing collaboration efforts anchored on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which the Philippines ratified in 2006.

“The strong growing partnership between the Office of the Ombudsman and the UNODC is vital in advancing anti-corruption efforts, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation,” Ombudsman Remulla said.

The Office of the Ombudsman and the UNODC has collaborated on various technical trainings, workshops, and regional engagements focused on financial investigations, digital evidence, anti-money laundering, corruption prosecution, asset recovery, and international cooperation.

The courtesy call also served as an opportunity to discuss future areas of collaboration, including advanced digital forensics training, strengthened international cooperation mechanisms, and the possible development of a unified National Anti-Corruption Framework for the Philippines.

“Through partnerships grounded on integrity, innovation, and shared commitment, the Office of the Ombudsman continues to strengthen its capability to address evolving corruption challenges and uphold public accountability,” Remulla stressed.

The Office of the Ombudsman likewise recognized the UNODC’s continued support for initiatives promoting integrity, ethics, and corruption prevention, including the annual Sikhay Laban sa Korapsyon (SiLaK) Summit in celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day and Anti-Corruption Month. #

PRESS RELEASE |
19 MAY 2026

205 benefit from OMB’s Community Pantry

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - In the spirit of Bayanihan, officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman came together for the OMB Pan-three8, a community pantry in celebration of the institution’s 38th anniversary.

More than 200 security and janitorial personnel benefited from the mutual aid initiative.

205 support personnel received food items and essential goods from cash and in kind donations of OMB employees.

Furparents even brought home petfood.

The community pantry is an initiative rooted in sharing one’s blessings and fostering an environment of unity.

The OMB’s Community Pantry is an expression of gratitude to the Office’s support personnel for their selfless service. #

OMB Remulla, nakisaya sa Ombudsman Food and Market Bazaar

Nag-ikot at namili sa Food and Market Bazaar si Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Bahagi ang Food and Market Bazaar ng selebrasyon ng 38th Anniversary ng Office of the Ombudsman.

Nasa 170 concessionaires ang nakibahagi. Karamihan sa mga ito, mga negosyo mismo ng mga empleyado ng OMB.