MANILA, Philippines – Corruption plagues not only the executive and legislative branches but is also severe in the judiciary, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

“‘Yung corruption sa atin, huwag ninyong sasabihing sa executive lang ’yan o legislative. Matindi ho ‘yung judiciary. Matindi ho ’yan. Panoorin n’yo lahat ng judges. Panoorin n’yo ‘yung mga justices. Panoorin natin,” Remulla said in a radio interview with DZRH on Saturday morning, January 3. 

(Don’t say corruption is only in the executive or the legislative. It is severe in the judiciary. It’s severe. Watch all the judges. Watch the justices. We must watch them.)

Remulla recalled the Sandiganbayan’s 2016 decision to acquit former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante, who had been accused of being a key player in the P723-million fertilizer fund scam.

The Sandiganbayan handles corruption-related cases involving public officials.

He also pointed to the acquittal of individuals linked to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. Among those acquitted by the Sandiganbayan last October 2025 was the late-chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile.

“Masyadong maraming nagmi-milagro sa Sandiganbayan (Too many people are pulling off miracles at the Sandiganbayan), Remulla said. 

Senator JV Ejercito, who was also a guest on the radio program, said that only minor figures have been convicted in corruption cases.

Remulla’s remarks come as the Marcos administration faces scrutiny over a multibillion-peso flood control scandal involving public works officials, lawmakers, and contractors.

– Rappler.com