The Office of the Ombudsman views positively that coordination with foreign ombudsmen will help focus on cases involving anomalous flood control projects. According to Deputy Ombudsman Jose Balmeo Jr., the recently launched Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum 2026 could assist in prosecuting those involved in corruption.
He said that through the Philippines' participation, if member countries gather evidence, they can pass it on to the Ombudsman. Meanwhile, during the meeting, the possibility of using discovered assets of those involved through intelligence gathering and information sharing, which is one of the forum's agendas, is not being set aside.
Thus, Deputy Ombudsman Balmeo Jr. believes this will expedite the processing, especially the forfeiture of assets abroad of those involved in corruption. However, he admitted that one of the challenges in prosecution and investigation is gathering evidence. He said that evidence is the main challenge because the success of a case filed in court depends on it.
On the first day of the full members meeting of the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla highlighted that the Ombudsman has focused on over 200 flood control cases, four of which have been formally filed in court.
