Sandiganbayan hands Rep. Jojo Ang 90-day suspension amid graft charges

The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Representative James "Jojo" Ang Jr. amid two graft charges involving alleged multi-million-peso government public works contracts.

Ang had previously entered a not guilty plea to the charges.

In a four-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan stated that Ang’s suspension is a mandatory measure imposed to prevent the accused public official from using his office to intimidate witnesses, frustrate prosecution, or commit further malfeasance.

The graft court noted Ang’s manifestation outlining his opposition to the preventive suspension.

In his filing, the lawmaker stated that he had completely divested himself from Allencon, the contracting firm tied to the alleged violations.

“He had completely divested himself of his shares and interests in Allencon, and therefore, the alleged violation has necessarily ceased. There is no showing that his continued discharge of his legislative functions would allow him to influence Allencon’s officers or employees, interfere with its records, or otherwise affect the proceedings,” Ang’s manifestation read.

“There is no justification for his preventive suspension, considering that the evidence of guilt is not strong,” it added.

Ang also argued that his suspension from office would deprive his party-list of representation in the House of Representatives.

In August, Ang’s Motion to Quash Information questioning the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over the cases was denied for lack of merit.

The Sandiganbayan ordered a copy of the resolution delivered to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy V for implementation of Ang's 90-day suspension.

The Court ordered the Speaker to report on the actions taken within 15 days of receiving the resolution. — BM, GMA News