The Senate on Friday rejected neophyte Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s attempt to directly confront Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla over the latter’s previous affirmation that the law can be bent.
During the Senate’s deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Ombudsman, Marcoleta asked the chamber if its rules could be suspended so that Remulla could personally clarify or issue a public apology for his earlier statement.
This came after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who was speaking on behalf of the Ombudsman as budget sponsor, said Remulla ‘intimated’ that he is very strict in not bending the law.
‘In fact, he also intimated that he will abide by the Supreme Court ruling as he believes that the rulings form part of the law and the rule of law is supreme,’ said Gatchalian.
This, however, did not sit well with Marcoleta, who maintained that abiding by that principle but acting otherwise is ‘different.’
‘You say you abide by the law strictly, but you say publicly that you can bend the law – how is that? Doesn’t the public need to be clarified on that matter? Our people might be confused by that statement. That’s why I am asking whether he can make a clarification or a public apology for saying that, and this will be good for the country,’ said Marcoleta.
Shortly after, the Senate’s deliberation was suspended, and the senators were seen in a huddle discussing Marcoleta’s request, but it was later denied.
In denying Marcoleta’s motion, Deputy Majority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the chamber has rarely given way to such a motion to suspend rules, especially during budget plenary deliberations.
‘I apologize that it may not be possible also this morning,’ said Hontiveros.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, asked if this means that the chamber is not entertaining Marcoleta’s motion, which Hontiveros affirmed.
‘We are not entertaining the motion, but the chairman remains fully capable of addressing the important issue raised by the good gentleman,’ said Hontiveros.
For his part, Gatchalian thanked Marcoleta for raising the question, saying that it now served as a platform and opportunity for Remulla to clarify his earlier affirmation.
‘There’s no intention to bend the law. That’s very clear. In fact, the Ombudsman’s principle is to follow the law and uphold the law because he believes that the rule of law is supreme,’ said Gatchalian, speaking Filipino.
‘Just so it’s clear, what he affirmed was a figure of speech, but there is no intention to really bend the law because what he intends to do is implement the law with integrity and justice,’ he emphasized.