Ex-Budget Secretary Pangandaman Remains Under Investigation for Flood Control Mess, Ombudsman Says

Former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is “still included in their universe” on the flood control controversy despite her reappointment back to government, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday. “Kasama pa rin siya sa universe namin (she’s still part of the universe). She’s part of the universe, definitely,” he said. Remulla issued the remark when asked if Pangandamaan’s appointment as chairperson and CEO of the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP) meant she was off the hook or if she was still being investigated. Pangandaman resigned from her post as Budget Secretary in November 2025 after her name was mentioned in the scandal. For its part, Malacañang has said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not absolving nor is he closing the doors for further investigation when he reappointed Pangandaman. The Palace said that Pangandaman has no pending case, and anyone may file a complaint if they have evidence.—LDF, GMA News