This is not the first time Ombudsman Martires has favored less transparency. He has also restricted journalists' access to the assets lists of government officials.

“That’s why COA releases everything, people have a right to see it. And the people’s right, freedom, should be expanded,” Vergel said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“What should be restrained is power and control by the executive…. I can’t understand why he would say the release of COA reports is causing chaos. If COA releases something, if there are observations, it is based on facts and numbers,” he said.