Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tuesday that 209 flood control complaints were under fact-finding investigation in the first six months of 2026.
The number was nearly double the 124 complaints investigated for all of 2025.
Remulla announced the figures in a video message during the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum hosted by the Philippines.
He said the complaints involved serious issues of public accountability, transparency, and protection of public funds.
The Ombudsman said 36 complaints from 2025 had reached preliminary investigation or administrative adjudication.
For 2026, he said several cases had already moved to formal proceedings, while four had been filed in court.
Remulla said the investigations were meant to show that accountability bodies could act with independence, fairness, and resolve.
Deputy Ombudsman Jose Balmeo said regional cooperation through the forum could later help speed up efforts to freeze assets linked to the flood control controversy.