PRESS RELEASE
22 JUNE 2026
OMB Remulla x UNODC in NY; forensic accounting training for PH corruption investigators
NEW YORK — Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla secured forensic accounting training for OMB investigators at the sidelines of the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ombudsman Remulla met with Jonathan Bourguignon, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Anti-Corruption) of the New York Liaison Office.
Mr. Bourguignon’s work focuses on corruption, economic crime, and illicit financial flows, supporting policy discussions at the UN Headquarters and the delivery of technical assistance programs in the field. He also leads UNODC’s portfolio on addressing corruption in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
“We have formally asked the UNODC to share their expertise in forensic accounting, now that we have hired many accountants at the office. We want to create experts in this field within the office,” OMB Remulla said.
The meeting highlighted the continuing partnership between the Office of the Ombudsman and UNODC in strengthening institutional capacity, promoting integrity, and advancing innovative approaches in the fight against corruption.
Discussions focused on expanding areas of cooperation, including specialized capacity-building programs for Ombudsman officials and personnel in key areas such as forensic accounting, financial investigation, asset tracing and recovery, and the effective investigation and prosecution of complex corruption cases.
Ombudsman Remulla emphasized the importance of sustained international collaboration and knowledge exchange as the Office pursues institutional reforms anchored on Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusivity.
“Corruption is a global issue. Corrupt actors leverage international resources. That is why collaboration with the UNODC helps us close these gaps. The goal is to connect the Philippines to the world in order to shrink it for corrupt actors,” OMB Remulla added.
The engagement builds on the strong partnership between the Office of the Ombudsman and UNODC in advancing transparent, accountable, and effective institutions consistent with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. #
