MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said efforts to combat corruption must go beyond investigation and prosecution, stressing that accountability should be paired with systemic reforms to strengthen institutions.

In a report, it said that speaking at the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goals 16 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Remulla said corruption undermines public trust and weakens governance systems.

“Corruption is not only a legal problem. When corruption weakens institutions, people lose confidence. Investors hesitate. Communities suffer. Public resources that should create opportunities are wasted,” he said.

He added that the Office of the Ombudsman is adopting an approach that combines accountability with institutional reform.

“That is why our approach at the Office of the Ombudsman is very clear: Accountability must be certain. But reform must also be systemic. We cannot investigate our way out of corruption alone. Of course, those who abuse public office must be held accountable…. If we truly want lasting change, we must also ask the more difficult questions. Why did corruption happen? Where did the system fail?,” he said.

Remulla said preventing corruption requires addressing structural weaknesses that allow it to persist.

“We are strengthening prevention together with enforcement, reviewing our internal systems, improving processes, advancing digital transformation, strengthening partnerships across government and with international institutions,” he said.

He also said he recently coordinated with Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo for the inclusion of the Office of the Ombudsman in the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, noting that anti-corruption efforts require coordination across the justice system.

“Corruption cases move through an entire justice ecosystem – from investigation, prosecution, adjudication, and ultimately, the delivery of justice. If one part of that system is weak, the entire system is affected,” Remulla said.

Amid the ongoing flood control mess probe, Remulla said current challenges present opportunities for reform.

“When weaknesses are exposed, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility – to correct them. Because the goal is not simply to punish the mistakes of yesterday. The greater responsibility is to build better institutions,” he said.

He added that restoring public trust requires effective governance and accountability.

“If we want citizens to trust government, government must first prove that it deserves that trust. And that is the commitment we bring from the Philippines: To pursue accountability and to strengthen institutions. And to ensure that public service remains exactly what it should be — a service to the public,” he said.