Vice President Sara Duterte has spoken up about Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s plan to review her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) — saying she welcomes it, but with one clear message: do it properly.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to earthquake victims in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Duterte said:
“Huwag na niya silipin. Ilagay na niya sa harap niya at pag-aralan na niya ng maayos kung ano man ‘yung gusto niyang gawin. Ipagpasa-Diyos na lang natin siya at ang kanyang mga gagawin bilang Ombudsman.”
(He shouldn’t just take a glance. He should study it carefully and do what he thinks is right. Let’s just pray for him and whatever he intends to do as Ombudsman.)
Her statement came after Remulla announced that he plans to make the SALNs of top officials — including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Duterte herself — publicly accessible.
But Duterte was quick to make one thing clear: Remulla wasn’t her pick for the post.
“Kung ako presidente, hindi siya ang ia-appoint ko na Ombudsman,”
(If I were the president, I would not appoint him as Ombudsman.)
Remulla, who recently assumed office, said he will also review the complaint against Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential funds — ₱500 million for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and ₱112.5 million for the Department of Education (DepEd) from 2022 to 2024.
“Bubuklatin natin. Pag-aaralan at tatanungin natin ‘yung mga may hawak na ngayon,” Remulla said.
(We will open it up, study it, and talk to those currently handling the case.)
The complaint came from the House committee on good governance and public accountability, which earlier recommended filing charges against Duterte.
In June, the Ombudsman ordered Duterte and nine officials from the OVP and DepEd to respond to the charges, which she did through her counter-affidavit.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the President, stirred controversy by claiming that Remulla’s appointment was part of a plan to jail Duterte and her allies ahead of the 2028 elections — a claim that President Marcos has denied.
Despite the political storm brewing around her, Duterte appeared calm and composed, saying she leaves everything to God.
“Let him do his job,” she said simply. “Time will reveal everything.”
