BAGUIO CITY — The clock is now ticking.
No more endless back-and-forth.
No more investigations stretching into uncertainty.
The Office of the Ombudsman has officially revised its rules — cutting down investigation timelines and raising the bar for filing cases in court.
It’s a sweeping reset.
And it signals urgency.
From One Year… to 60 Days
Under Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2026, fact-finding investigations must now be completed within:
• 60 days for simple cases
• 90 days for complex cases
That’s a sharp cut from the previous six months to one year.
Preliminary investigations?
Now capped at six months.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla made it clear.
“Hindi na pwedeng forever ang sagutan,” he said.
There cannot be endless exchanges. If there’s a question, there must be an answer. If there’s a case — or none — it must be determined within six months.
“Pinakamahaba na ‘yun,” he stressed.
That’s the maximum.
Higher Evidence, Stronger Cases
But speed isn’t the only change.
The new rules now require prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction before filing criminal cases in court.
In simple terms:
Cases must be strong before they are filed.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano explained that in the past, the level of evidence required for probable cause was relatively low.
Now, that standard is higher.
And that matters.
“Gusto talaga ng mga tao na may conviction,” Clavano said.
People don’t just want charges filed.
They want real accountability — all the way to conviction.
Because what good is a case…
if it collapses in court?
The goal is simple: fewer weak cases, more solid outcomes.
Contempt Powers Clearly Defined
The revised rules also lay down specific penalties for direct and indirect contempt — something long granted under the Ombudsman Act but now clearly detailed.
Direct contempt includes:
• Disrupting proceedings
• Showing disrespect toward Ombudsman officials
• Refusing to answer questions after being required
Indirect contempt covers:
• Disobeying lawful orders or subpoenas
• Failing to produce documents
• Interfering with investigations
• Impeding the administration of justice
The penalties are real.
For direct contempt:
• Fine up to ₱2,000
• Suspension of up to 10 days for public officials
• Or both
For indirect contempt:
• Fine up to ₱30,000
• Suspension from one to six months
• Or both
Remulla did not hide his frustration.
“Maraming ayaw sumunod sa utos ng opisina,” he said.
Many refuse to follow lawful orders.
“Binalewala nila ang batas… contempt is in order.”
If the law is ignored, consequences will follow.
A Crucial Moment
The timing is significant.
The revised rules come amid ongoing investigations, including cases tied to the flood control scandal.
Faster investigations.
Stronger evidence.
Clear penalties for defiance.
The Ombudsman’s message is unmistakable:
Justice must be swift.
Justice must be solid.
And justice must reach the finish line.
Because accountability, as Clavano put it, is not just about filing cases.
It’s about seeing them through — to the very end.
