President Bongbong Marcos expressed displeasure over alleged attempts by a congressman and a contractor to bribe Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President reacted with dismay when informed of the alleged bribery attempt, which occurred amid ongoing investigations into corruption.
“Ang pakiramdam po ng Pangulo, hindi po siya natuwa,” Castro said.
She said the President was disturbed that alleged corruption attempts persist even as the administration continues to pursue accountability.
“Ang reaksiyon niya dito noong binanggit po ito ay hindi po siya natuwa dahil hanggang ngayon po kahit na po nagpapa-imbestiga siya ng korapsyon, mayroon pa rin pong gusto na mangorap ‘di ba sa mga opisyal natin na siyang nagpapa-imbestiga at tumutupad sa batas para mapanagot itong mga corrupt officials o mga corrupt individuals na ito,” Castro said.
Despite his reaction, Marcos did not issue any specific directive, citing his confidence in the Remullas.
“Hindi po natuwa ang Pangulo but wala siyang particular na iniutos dahil alam naman po niya na si Sec. Jonvic at pati po si Ombudsman Remulla ay maaasahan po para sa katotohanan at dedicated po sila sa kanilang trabaho,” Castro said.
The Palace said the President’s response reflected trust in officials tasked with enforcing the law and investigating wrongdoing, even as allegations of bribery surface within the political and contracting sectors.
Remulla earlier disclosed that a congressman and a contractor allegedly attempted to bribe him and his brother with a total of ₱2 billion in connection with the investigation into the flood control controversy.
The alleged attempt surfaced as authorities continue to scrutinize corruption tied to flood control projects, a sector long flagged for large-scale public spending and persistent integrity concerns.
Malacañang said the matter remains under investigation.
