Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman is set to assign an assistant ombudsman specifically for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in an effort to bolster anti-corruption efforts in a region that has been identified as needing more governmental focus. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced this initiative, highlighting the long-standing need for increased government attention in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla revealed this strategy during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing concerning the anti-graft body's proposed 2027 budget. He emphasized that this new appointment aims to make the Ombudsman's work more inclusive and accessible within the region. "We have decided to hire an assistant ombudsman for the BARMM," Remulla informed the committee.
He stressed the significance of enhancing the agency's presence in the Bangsamoro Region as a crucial step that the Ombudsman can undertake, drawing on his previous legislative experience with accountability issues in Mindanao. Remulla stated, "BARMM, I think, is one of the most important things that we can do for the country because we cannot neglect that part of the country which has been neglected for such a long time."
Remulla also noted the importance of inclusivity in the Ombudsman's efforts, indicating that people in the region need to feel integrated into the process. He reflected on his time as a congressman in 2005, when lawmakers examined issues related to the Government Service Insurance System contributions of public school teachers and other governmental transactions in the region. These experiences, he said, highlighted the necessity for more robust accountability mechanisms.
The announcement came as Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen. JV Ejercito inquired about the potential impact on the Ombudsman's operations following a reduction in its requested confidential funds in the proposed national budget. The Ombudsman had sought PHP148 million in additional confidential funds, but the Department of Budget and Management recommended approximately PHP51 million.
Sen. Ejercito mentioned that the Senate might consider increasing the allocation during plenary deliberations but did not commit to restoring the full amount. Remulla explained that a portion of the additional funding would be necessary for security-related requirements as the agency expands its investigative and enforcement operations.
"We want to be able to establish safe quarters for witnesses and sometimes our marshals themselves," Remulla said. He added that setting up a post in BARMM would involve security risks, necessitating adequate protection for personnel and individuals assisting with Ombudsman investigations.
