Ang questions Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases

MANILA, Philippines — Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang on Monday questioned the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over two of his 14 graft cases. State prosecutors indicted Ang for allegedly violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits government officials from having a direct or indirect financial interest in businesses related to their duties. The law prohibits public officials from having a direct or indirect financial interest, through themselves or their representatives, in any contract or business in which they have to intervene by reason of their office. Ang’s challenge to the jurisdiction of the anti-graft court could set the stage for a legal battle over the scope of the Sandiganbayan’s authority in handling such cases.