Rep. Jojo Ang denies pocketing flood control funds

Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Jojo Ang has denied taking commissions off flood control projects as alleged by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, saying he has always heeded his mandate to serve the public. 

Ang's denial was also in response to allegations by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, who said the congressman instructed him to collect donations from contractors.

"I strongly and categorically deny the baseless accusations linking me to alleged corrupt practices and illegal acts. I am totally surprised that my name has been mentioned," Ang said in a statement. 

In the Monday hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee, the Discaya couple mentioned Ang as among the congressmen who demanded 10% to 25% as their share from flood control project costs.

As for Calalo, the donations that he supposedly collected were said to be a show of support for the projects and programs of Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste, who in turned accused the district engineer of attempting to bribe him.

"It is a convenient distraction from the real issues. I urge the public to be circumspect and to remain focused on the facts. I denounce all types of corruption that prejudices not just the government but undermines the trust reposed to us by the Filipino people," Ang said.

"Then and now, I have adhered to my mandate to serve the people and the sector I represent with integrity," he added.

Saying the ongoing probe on flood control projects is a serious matter, Ang lamented that it is unfortunate that the investigation is being used by some parties for their personal gain.

"I am one with the people in exacting accountability from those responsible for robbing our people of their hard-earned taxes and eroding the integrity of our institutions. We should all be guided by the truth and the rule of law," Ang added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News