Ombudsman files 14 graft raps vs solon over alleged firm ties

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman filed 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan on Saturday, July 25, against Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. over his alleged links to a construction firm. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Saturday that Ang was paid nearly P199 million from a construction firm he holds a stake after it secured P214-million worth of contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways. READ: Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Ang to ICI: ‘My conscience is clear’ “The Constitution is clear: no lawmaker may be financially interested in a government contract during his term,” he stated. He further emphasized that “conflict of interest” involving a government official does not require evidence, primarily if he or she benefited while in office. “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,” he added. Ang is facing alleged violations of Section 3 (h) of Republic act No. 3019, which prohibits public officers to “have direct or indirect financial interest in any business, contract, or transaction,” Meanwhile, Former Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Arnulfo Go, Former sultan Kudarat Municipal Mayor Dionesio Besana, municipal employees Allan Bayani, and Mario Labrador also face two counts each of graft and malversation. /jpv