PRESS RELEASE
02 JULY 2026
OMB Remulla calls for stronger institutions, preventive reforms as PH launches National Anti-Corruption Strategy
PASAY CITY, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla called for preventive and more institution-based approaches in combating corruption during the launch of the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).
“Today is not simply the launch of another government initiative. It is an opportunity to ask ourselves a fundamental question: How do we make integrity the normal way of governing, and not merely the usual response when there is an act of corruption?” Remulla said.
OMB Remulla said the country’s anti-corruption efforts must move beyond investigation and prosecution.
“Fighting corruption cannot rely solely on investigation and prosecution. It requires prevention. It requires institutional resilience. It requires citizen participation. Above all, it requires government agencies that strive for better service delivery,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman said that the challenge now is for the Philippines to translate its commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) into stronger institutions that ordinary Filipinos can rely on.
Drawing from his recent participation in the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Ombudsman said countries around the world increasingly recognize that sustainable development is anchored on transparent, effective and trusted public institutions.
Corruption affects not only one sector but every single Filipino.
“Integrity is no longer simply an ethical aspiration. It is now recognized as a strategic investment in development. Corruption is not only a legal issue. It delays projects. It weakens public confidence. It discourages investments. It increases the cost of government. Ultimately, it affects the daily lives of every Filipino,” OMB Remulla stressed.
Recognizing this, the Office of the Ombudsman has begun institutional reforms guided by a long-term vision for the organization: Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusivity.
“When I assumed office as Ombudsman, I emphasized that the Office must evolve. We identified the strategic reforms necessary to modernize the institution—from digital transformation and business process improvement, to stronger integrity systems, institutional partnerships, capacity building, organizational culture, and more responsive public service,” OMB Remulla said.
Among the Office’s key initiatives is the revival of the Resident Ombudsman Program, which aims to strengthen integrity mechanisms within government agencies and promote the early detection of governance risks.
OMB Remulla expressed hope that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy would become a living framework for coordinated action rather than merely another government document.
“Let us ensure that years from now, this gathering will be remembered as a catalyst towards building a national roadmap that aligns our institutions, strengthens prevention, encourages innovation, promotes accountability, and creates measurable outcomes,” OMB Remulla said.
Looking ahead, OMB Remulla said the Office will continue engaging stakeholders from government, development institutions, civil society, professional organizations, and the academe as it rolls out its operational plans and advances institutional reforms through dialogue and collaboration.#
