Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has asked the Senate to enforce the 2016 dismissal order against Senator Joel Villanueva over alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations.
In a letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Remulla sought implementation of the nine-year-old order issued during the tenure of former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
The order stemmed from findings of graft and fund misuse when Villanueva was Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The 2016 order included dismissal from public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits. Remulla said the order remains “immediately enforceable” despite legal challenges and the passage of time.
Villanueva has denied the allegations and continues to serve in the Senate while legal proceedings continue. His legal team has maintained that the dismissal order lacks basis.
The Senate has yet to respond to the Ombudsman’s request.