Ombudsman investigates Davao City flood control spending

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating potential corruption regarding flood control projects in Davao City. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla informed lawmakers that the city was the “epicenter” of such spending under the previous administration. While Remulla clarified that the term referred to the scale of funding rather than a definitive finding of wrongdoing, he noted the difficulty of the inquiry due to an entrenched “ecosystem of corruption” and a lack of cooperation from witnesses.

The investigation has been complicated by allegations of witness tampering. Retired Marine Orly Guteza submitted a recantation to the Ombudsman, alleging he was coerced and offered financial incentives to provide false affidavits linking high-ranking officials to illicit funds. These claims mirror previous instances where witnesses, referred to as “maleta boys,” retracted statements they claimed were prepared by external handlers. The situation has raised legal discussions regarding the prosecution of subornation of perjury in the Philippines.