Photo courtesy of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Office of the Ombudsman is conducting lifestyle checks on more than 100 government officials, with personnel from revenue-generating agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and Land Transportation Office among those under scrutiny.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed during a House appropriations hearing Tuesday that 107 lifestyle checks are currently underway, with more officials expected to be added to the list.
“We have 107 lifestyle checks being conducted as we speak,” Remulla told lawmakers.
He said the anti-graft body has been actively gathering information on personnel from Customs, the LTO and other agencies that generate government revenue, describing these offices as areas where questionable displays of wealth warrant closer scrutiny.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno raised the issue while lawmakers were deliberating on the Ombudsman’s proposed budget of more than Php 7 billion.
Lifestyle checks generally examine whether a public official’s assets, spending and standard of living are consistent with declared income and legitimate sources of wealth. Findings may provide grounds for further investigation if significant discrepancies emerge.
The latest effort follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive for lifestyle checks on government officials, beginning with personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways amid scrutiny of flood-control projects.
Remulla said the Ombudsman is continuing to expand its list as it obtains information on officials who may warrant closer examination.