Ombudsman Remulla vows action against officials extorting Cebu businesses
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that corrupt local officials are inflating costs for Cebu’s lechon traders by demanding bribes and delaying permits.
During a meeting with Cebu’s lechon industry, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla condemned a wave of corruption in which barangay captains, councilors and watchmen extort money from entrepreneurs and stall permit approvals. He explained that these practices raise the cost of doing business and create unofficial partnerships that siphon profits. Remulla highlighted the recently opened Investors' Window, a channel for businesses to report such misconduct, and pledged that officials who ignore permit requests will face immediate suspension.
He stressed that government’s role is to support the private sector, which drives growth, jobs and consumer purchasing power. The Ombudsman affirmed that legal authority exists to act swiftly against offending officials.
Why it matters
Corruption that blocks permits raises business costs and hampers economic growth for local entrepreneurs.
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