Corruption also prevalent in judiciary—Ombudsman

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said corruption is also ‘severe’ in the judiciary, and is not exclusive to the executive and legislative branches of government.

Remulla said, “Don’t think corruption happens just in the executive or legislative branches. (Corruption in the judiciary) is severe.”

“Watch the judges. Watch the justices. We should all watch them,” he added.

Remulla cited the Sandiganbayan that has been “very good at acquitting,” such as the fertilizer fund scam case where former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante was cleared of plunder charges.

He also cited the pork barrel scam cases where several accused were likewise acquitted.

“The PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) cases – those were sure-ball cases. Don’t say the Ombudsman was weak in presenting evidence,” he said.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines national president Allan Panolong said the Supreme Court has already taken steps to address the problem.

“We do agree that corruption also exists in the judiciary. That’s why the Supreme Court has institutionalized an office which is the judiciary integrity board in order to curb that practice,” Panolong said.

“But as to whether it is rampant or not, my observation is that it is not. There are more ethical judges. In the case of the Sandiganbayan, I haven’t heard of any case where a Justice was involved in an alleged corruption,” he added.

In mid-2024, the Supreme Court created a channel – integrity@judiciary.gov.ph- where the public can send actionable information on violations of corruption laws and ethics rules involving justices, judges and court personnel.

The violations may involve extortion of money, gift or favor from any litigant or counsel of any party in exchange for any result.