Philippines’ Marcos taps ally as head of anti-graft watchdog

MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed an ally to lead the nation’s independent anti-corruption watchdog, as his administration continues a clampdown on graft in infrastructure projects.

As ombudsman, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is “expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently”, Mr Marcos’ communications office said in a statement on Oct 7.

“There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,” it said.

The position, which has a fixed term of seven years, has become particularly critical as Mr Marcos seeks to crack down on what is looking to be widespread corruption in the state’s flood-control projects that has ignited street protests in the typhoon-prone nation.

Congressional inquiries on the graft allegations have implicated some lawmakers, including Mr Marcos’ cousin, former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, who along with other legislators, has denied any wrongdoing.

The Office of the Ombudsman could also emerge as a battleground for Mr Marcos’ former ally, Vice-President Sara Duterte and her critics, who have accused her of misusing public funds, which she has denied.

Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister who has allied with Ms Duterte, told reporters on Oct 7 before the announcement that she believes there are plans to put the vice-president in jail. “I’m certain,” said Ms Marcos, who has opposed Mr Remulla’s appointment.

There was no immediate comment from the vice-president’s office.

Mr Remulla replaces Mr Samuel Martires, who retired in July. Mr Martires was appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte. Bloomberg