MANILA— Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has expressed support for the Senate’s review of the 1989 Ombudsman Act, saying updates to the law could help address gaps in the government’s efforts to combat corruption and enforce accountability.

Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman is willing to work with Congress in reviewing existing mechanisms and proposing reforms to strengthen the implementation of its constitutional mandate.

“We welcome discussions on updating the law to respond to present-day challenges in fighting corruption. We are ready to work with Congress on reforms that will help us better serve the public and exact accountability in government,” Remulla said.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in partnership with the Committee on Ways and Means, conducted a hearing on October 5 on Senate Bill No. 2394, or the proposed Ombudsman Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Powers Act.

The bill seeks to amend Section 15 of Republic Act No. 6770, or the Ombudsman Act of 1989, particularly to address enforcement issues encountered in anti-corruption investigations and in carrying out lawful orders and directives issued by the Ombudsman.

Among the proposals discussed were mechanisms involving searches, arrests and contempt, subject to constitutional and legal safeguards.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, one of the measure’s proponents, said the proposed amendments are intended to address limitations affecting the implementation of the Ombudsman’s mandate.

The Ombudsman was represented at the hearing by Deputy Ombudsman Jose Balmeo Jr., along with Assistant Ombudsman Luis Gonzaga Bonoan, Assistant Ombudsman PMGen Eliseo Cruz, Ret., and Assistant Ombudsman Rex Raynaldo Sandoval.

Bonoan said the agency’s investigative authority is affected by the absence of corresponding enforcement mechanisms.

“An office that investigates powerful officials like us, including officials of the very agencies we rely on, must be able to protect its own people. That is part of our constitutional independence,” said Bonoan.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who presided over the hearing, said the review of the law was necessary as the public continues to demand justice and accountability from government institutions.

“Ika nga, uhaw ang bayan sa katarungan, pananagutan at mga pinunong karapat-dapat pagkatiwalaan ng publiko,” Pangilinan said. “Kaya kailangang bigyan ang Office of the Ombudsman ng sapat na kakayahan at kapangyarihan para maipatupad ang mga legal nitong utos,” he added.

Pangilinan said lawmakers were also seeking the views of experts and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed changes would address current concerns.

“Ang layunin ng pagdinig na ito, magsilbing boses ng bayan. Kinukuha natin ang talino ng mga eksperto at hinaing ng mga stakeholders upang matiyak na ang batas na ating isasabatas ay may pangil, may puso at tumutugon sa tawag ng panahon,” he said.

Representatives from the Sandiganbayan, Department of Justice, Department of Budget and Management, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Council, UP Law Center, Government Service Insurance System, Bureau of the Treasury and Philippine National Police also attended the hearing as resource persons.