Ombudsman Samuel Martires revealed on Wednesday that thousands of corruption cases involving government officials are currently under investigation in court.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, Martires mentioned that there are approximately 1,500 new complaints currently undergoing case evaluation.
Furthermore, Martires disclosed that roughly 6,000 cases are being investigated, with about 3,800 of them still pending in the Sandiganbayan and Regional Trial Courts (RTC).
The cases predominantly involve government officials, with the most frequent charges being violations of procurement laws, bribery, and breaches of the provisions under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
He also mentioned that some officials had already been dismissed following complaints filed against them; however, he refrained from naming them.
"May mga kaso talaga na maliwanag ang ebidensya laban sa pulitiko. Wala naman kaming magagawa di’ba? Kung maliwanag ang ebidensya ay kailangan naming aksyunan ang administrative aspect ng kaso at kailangan naming i-file sa Sandiganbayan or lower court – RTC, ‘yung corresponding case," said Martires.
"Yun naman talagang dismissal from the service, nag-uugat ‘yung talagang napakalala ng kasalanan mo," he added.
In a text message to DZRH News, Ombudsman Samuel Martires confirmed that several high-ranking government officials have been dismissed from service due to their alleged involvement in corruption, adding that these cases are still pending appeal in court.
Noting the lack of love and reverence for God, Martires proposed the creation of a law to promote good morals and proper conduct, with religion as a key starting point in eradicating corruption.
He further emphasized that the state and the church should work together to properly guide and shape the values of Filipinos.
