Raps eyed vs law firm for hiding client’s dirty assets

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July 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla issued a stern warning over the weekend to legal counsels defending individuals implicated in the flood control scandal, revealing that his office is considering filing criminal and disbarment charges against a law firm for allegedly covering up their client’s assets.

Remulla disclosed that investigators have received credible information about a specific law office fabricating claims to mask the true ownership of properties currently under scrutiny by the anti-graft body.

“I have it in good word that a law office has been trying to invent beneficial interest on properties that are currently being talked about and investigated. They are covering it up,” Remulla said.

The ombudsman emphasized that lawyers who cross the line from legal representation to active participation in hiding ill-gotten wealth will be treated as accomplices.

“That’s being an accessory to the crime,” Remulla said.

While Remulla acknowledged the right of the accused to legal counsel, he reminded lawyers of their ethical and legal boundaries. 

“Defend your client, OK, but do not commit a crime,” he stressed.

Remulla said legal practitioners caught orchestrating illegal schemes to shield their clients’ culpability will face the full force of the law, including facing the Supreme Court to strip them of their licenses.