Ombudsman opens investors’ window vs corruption plaguing businesses

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman is opening an “Investors’ Window” where business owners and investors can submit concerns about government officials or transactions that impede business operations.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla made the announcement on Thursday during a dialogue with Cebu “lechoneros” (pig roasters), as noted in a statement issued on Friday.

At the forum, he expressed sadness that there is a growing “impunity of corruption” affecting businesses.

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According to him, certain public officials across various levels of the government have been exploiting their positions to demand money from businesses in exchange for permits, approvals and other government services.

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“What is happening now is what we call “impunity of corruption,” Remulla observes.

“There is abuse from the barangay captain, councilor, ‘tanod’ up to the highest position,” he noticed.

“The extortion is extreme. They are making it difficult for business owners. They ask and ask. Pressuring [the businesses],” he said in Filipino.

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The ombudsman also told the audience that some government officials have been demanding a share of businesses’ earnings, which drives up costs and discourages investments.

“It comes to a point where they are partners with the businesses,” the ombudsman pointed out.

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“They earn a percentage from your work. The cost of doing business goes up because many are being forced,” he lamented.

“And that is what we want to change,” he said.

“It shouldn’t happen. The government should be there to assist businesses because you are the economy. Without business, the economy is nothing,” he explained.

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Remulla said the ombudsman will open the Investors’ Window to serve as a “direct avenue” for businesses to raise their complaints.

These complaints include instances of extortion, abuse of authority, unreasonable delays, and other forms of misconduct in government.

“If the Anti-Red Tape Authority is reported to us, such as the permit not being given, we will write them,” he told the businessmen.

“After that, if they do not follow, that will result in suspension. We will immediately suspend the concerned official. I can assure you that,” he promised.

Remulla also warned that some local chief executives will be facing sanctions for “abuse of power and engaging in corruption.”

As an example, the ombudsman intends to “remove a mayor or two” in Cavite, where he previously served as district representative, because they were not “cooperative” with businesses.

He did not, however, elaborate on the identities of the officials and when the cases will be filed.

“There is a lot of pressure on us. ‘Protect this.’ ‘Don’t respond to this.’ ‘Make sure they don’t go to jail.’ ‘Don’t sue them,’” he recited the requests from corrupt people.

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“No. We need to do this. We will really do this,” Remulla vowed. /apl