Rep. Ang Faces Graft Charges Over Alleged Ties to Construction Firm

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed 14 counts of graft against USWAG Ilonggo party-list Rep. James "Jojo" Ang Jr. before the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement with 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 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," the Ombudsman stressed. Meanwhile, former Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Arnulfo Go and three others face two counts of graft and two counts of malversation. Ang was previously included in the recommendation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Ombudsman to investigate him for possible plunder and bribery in relation to billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024, along with Zaldy Co. ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. had previously identified Ang as one of 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 in November. In a press statement in November, Ang had expressed confidence in clearing 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,” said Ang. “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 stated that he is ready to face the cases filed against him. “I stand firm on what is true and just. I am ready to face this case in the proper forum,” he added. —VBL GMA News