Ombudsman files graft case vs. Rep. Jojo Ang over alleged links to construction firm

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed before the Sandiganbayan 14 counts of graft against USWAG Ilonggo party-list Rep. James "Jojo" Ang Jr. over his alleged ties to a construction firm.

"While sitting in Congress, Rep. Ang holds a stake in a construction firm that won P214 million in DPWH contracts — and was paid nearly P199 million for them," the Ombudsman said in a statement on Saturday.

"The Constitution is clear: no lawmaker may be financially interested in a government contract during his term. Conflict of interest is not a gray area. It does not require proof that a deal was rigged or that cash changed hands — only that a public official profited, or stood to profit, from a government contract while in office," it added.

Former Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Arnulfo Go and three others were also charged with two counts of graft and two counts of malversation.

Ang was previously included in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's (ICI) recommendation that the Office of the Ombudsman investigate him for possible plunder and bribery in connection with infrastructure projects worth billions of pesos undertaken from 2016 to 2024, alongside Zaldy Co.

ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. previously referred to Ang as among the possible "cong-tractors."

“These so-called cong-tractors are those members of Congress or their partners or family members who own construction firms that receive project awards or obtain contracts from the DPWH,” Reyes said last November.

In a press statement in November, Ang said he was confident he would be able to clear his name.

“My conscience is clear. I am confident that I will be able to clear my name soon. My resolve for truth to come out is stronger and clearer,” Ang said.

“In my three years in public service, I have never used my position in the government for my own interest and to profit in any way. I hold the trust of the Ilonggos strongly, and will never betray the faith of my kasimanwas in me as their representative in Uswag Ilonggo party-list since 2022,” he added.

Ang also said he was ready to face the charges against him.

“I stand firm on what is true and just. I am ready to face this case in the proper forum,” he said further. —VAL/VBL, GMA News