Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman is open to the return of allegedly misused public funds linked to irregularities in flood control projects.
He stressed that while the government will continue to pursue court cases, options for restitution and recovery of public money remain available.
Remulla said that if funds can be returned, it may serve as a practical resolution, though he emphasized there would be no bargaining over the amount to be restored.
He likened the idea to recovering stolen property before a case proceeds, noting that restitution could influence how legal actions move forward.
He also said the Ombudsman is preparing to file plunder and malversation charges against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and a separate plunder case against Senator Joel Villanueva.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 28, 2026
