Philippine Officials Barred from Leaving Country Over Infra Corruption Allegations

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has issued hold departure orders against five individuals, including USWAG Ilonggo Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr., former Sultan Kudarat 2nd District representative Arnulfo Go, and three former local government officials of Lebak town. These individuals are implicated in separate alleged infrastructure corruption cases. The Office of the Ombudsman recently filed 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan against Ang, who is allegedly linked to a construction firm that secured government contracts. "While sitting in Congress, [Representative] Ang holds a stake in a construction firm that won P214 million in DPWH contracts — and was paid nearly P199 million for them," the Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement. Rappler, in December 2025, reported Ang’s financial interests to Allencon Development Corporation, a government contractor. Meanwhile, Go is facing two counts of graft for alleged violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, along with two counts of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. Also named in the case — and likewise covered by the Sandiganbayan’s hold departure order — are former Lebak mayor Dionesio Besana, former municipal accountant Allan Bayani, and former municipal treasurer Mario Labrador. Lebak is a town in the province of Sultan Kudrarat in Mindanao. – Rappler.com