The Office of the Ombudsman has filed 14 counts of graft against Uswag Ilonggo party-list representative James ‘Jojo’ Ang Jr. over his links to a construction firm that reportedly cornered more than ₱200 million in contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
This came amid the ongoing investigation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding anomalous flood control projects implemented by the DPWH with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla citing that “while sitting in Congress, (Representative) Ang (held) a stake in a construction firm that won ₱214 million in DPWH contracts and was paid nearly ₱199 million for them.”
Remulla cited that “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. Here, and in many cases, the clear and thick constitutional line is constantly and blatantly being crossed,” the former justice secretary added.
The cases filed against Ang are for alleged violation of section 3(h) of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act No. 3019.
“This provision punishes individuals who have direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any business or contract or transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity,” Remulla pointed out.
The filing likewise comes two days before President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday, July 27.