The quiet morning show on DZRH turned into an inferno. What was supposed to be a routine interview about old graft cases exploded into a full-blown political war between two of the country’s most powerful legal minds — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and former Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

No one expected the calm, stoic Martires to erupt — but he did.

“Whoever can say I did something wrong — come out! I will face you all, one by one!” he thundered, his voice echoing through the airwaves. “I never took a single peso. I never hid a single decision. My record is clean!”

Listeners froze. In seconds, the discussion had turned into a fiery exchange — a political showdown broadcast live across the nation.

THE TRIGGER: THE VILLANUEVA CASE

Everything began with Secretary Remulla’s earlier remarks. He had hinted that a “secret decision” existed inside the Ombudsman’s office, allegedly protecting Senator Joel Villanueva in a 2016 pork barrel case.

That comment, for Martires, was a slap in the face.

“Secret decision? That’s a lie!” Martires snapped. “If he just checked the records, he would have seen everything in our case management system. But he didn’t — because he prefers the cameras over the truth!”

The senator in question, Joel Villanueva, had long maintained his innocence. And Martires, in 2019, had reversed a dismissal order made by his predecessor, Conchita Carpio-Morales, after handwriting experts from the NBI confirmed the signatures on the questioned documents were forgeries.

“How can you convict someone on forged evidence?” Martires asked. “If we stop trusting the NBI, then we are not seeking justice — we are persecuting the innocent.”

REMULLA UNDER PRESSURE

As the broadcast continued, Martires refused to hold back. His tone turned sharper, cutting through the static.

“Remulla says he’s after transparency. But transparency begins with accuracy! Instead of checking facts, he threw accusations like confetti!”

He went further — accusing the Justice Department of creating distractions.

“Maybe he wants to look strong before the cameras. Maybe someone’s whispering false stories in his ear. But I will not play politics. I’ve served long enough to know how these games are played.”

The public was stunned. Two of the country’s most feared officials — one active, one retired — were now in open conflict. The tension was electric, and social media erupted with hashtags: #MartiresVsRemulla and #JusticeWarPH.

THE DUTERTE SHADOW

Then came the twist — the moment that ignited the nation.

“People keep dragging President Duterte’s name,” Martires said. “Let me tell you the truth — when I was Ombudsman, Digong never gave me any instruction. Not one. He said only this: ‘Do your job.’ That’s it!”

He paused, his voice low but cutting.

“Those who say I protected anyone — they’re liars. Duterte never interfered. He never called. He never asked for favors. Not him. Not Bong Go. No one.”

That single statement shook the foundation of the Duterte camp. For years, critics had accused Martires of shielding officials close to the former president. But now, the man himself was denying it outright — live, unfiltered, defiant.

He even revealed something few had known.

“You want the truth?” he asked. “I was never a diehard Duterte. I was loyal — to Ferdinand Marcos Sr. That’s where I came from.”

The remark sent shockwaves through political circles. The supposed “Duterte ally” had just declared his heart belonged to another era entirely — to Marcos Sr., not Marcos Jr., not Duterte.

THE VOICE OF A FIGHTER

The conversation turned emotional. For a moment, the old judge’s voice cracked — not out of weakness, but weariness.

“I served this country for decades,” Martires said softly. “If I made enemies, it’s because I refused to play dirty. They can call me corrupt, biased, anything — but they will never call me a coward.”

Then his tone hardened again.

“Let them investigate me! I will open every file, every decision I ever made. I have nothing to hide. But those who accuse me — can they say the same?”

It was both challenge and threat — and everyone listening knew it.

THE STAKES: TRUTH OR POLITICS

Analysts now say this feud is more than just personal — it’s a power struggle inside the Philippine justice system itself. Remulla represents the current administration’s fight for control and public image; Martires, the stubborn symbol of judicial independence who refuses to be erased.

Political strategist Lito Banayo described it perfectly:

“This isn’t about Villanueva anymore. It’s about who gets to define justice — the politician or the judge.”

And the public? They’re watching, fascinated and furious in equal measure.

THE FINAL WORD

As the interview ended, Martires left a sentence that now echoes across headlines and social media:

“Tell me — who ordered you to attack me? Because when you find that answer, you’ll know who’s really running this government.”

That line — sharp, cryptic, dangerous — may be the start of something much bigger than a radio quarrel.

Behind the microphones, beyond the studio lights, one thing is clear: this is no longer just about an old case.
It’s about truth versus power, integrity versus influence, and the battle for the soul of Philippine justice — a battle now raging in plain sight.