Ombudsman Remulla Issues Ultimatum to House Secretary General Over Withheld Financial Disclosure Records

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla threatens to suspend House SecGen Cheloy Garafil if lawmakers' financial disclosures (SALNs) are not released this week.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Inquirer.net

Escalating Tensions Over Legislative Transparency

The Office of the Ombudsman has officially entered a standoff with the leadership of the House of Representatives regarding the release of mandatory financial disclosures. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced during a Monday press conference that his office will no longer tolerate delays in the submission of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) for specific lawmakers currently under investigation. Remulla specifically addressed House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, stating that failure to comply with existing subpoenas by the end of this week would result in her suspension from office. The Ombudsman emphasized that the legal system must be "put to the test" to ensure that no institution is exempt from oversight and accountability.

Subpoenas Targeted at High-Ranking House Officials

Beyond individual lawmakers, the Ombudsman’s investigation has extended to the administrative heart of the lower chamber. A subpoena has been issued for the financial records of Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada, whose SALN is considered a critical component of broader plunder cases currently being prepared by investigators. Remulla noted that his office has encountered significant resistance when attempting to serve these legal orders, claiming that House security personnel have refused to accept the documents. This perceived evasion has prompted the Ombudsman to expand his request, now seeking the SALNs of all lawmakers and key administrative officials covering the past ten years of their respective tenures.

Administrative Response and Pledges of Cooperation

In a swift response to the Ombudsman’s public ultimatum, Secretary General Cheloy Garafil issued a statement affirming her respect for the institution of the Ombudsman and its mandate. Garafil clarified that there is no intention to evade her duty or show disrespect to the legal process. She vowed that all "official communications" from Remulla’s office would be attended to in accordance with the rules of the House. This diplomatic rebuttal suggests a potential softening of the House's stance, though the Ombudsman remains adamant that the physical production of the requested documents is the only acceptable form of compliance within the established deadline.