The Office of the Ombudsman has filed 14 graft charges against Uswag Ilonggo Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr. before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged financial interest in a construction company that secured government contracts, while several former local officials from Sultan Kudarat also face graft and malversation charges.
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has filed 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan against Uswag Ilonggo Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr., accusing him of having a financial interest in a construction company that received millions of pesos in government contracts while he was serving as a member of Congress.
The charges were formally announced on Saturday, July 25, marking another major anti-corruption case involving a sitting lawmaker. According to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, the case centers on allegations that Ang received nearly P199 million from a construction company in which he allegedly owns a stake. Investigators said the company obtained government contracts worth around P214 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
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The Ombudsman said the charges were based on evidence gathered during its investigation, which allegedly showed that Ang had a direct financial interest in a private company that entered into contracts with the government while he was still holding public office.
Clavano stressed that the country’s Constitution clearly prohibits lawmakers from having financial interests in government contracts during their term in office. He explained that the constitutional provision exists to ensure that public officials serve the interests of the people instead of benefiting from government transactions.
According to Clavano, the law is intended to prevent conflicts between a public official’s private business interests and his official duties. He said public trust can be damaged when government officials are placed in situations where they may personally benefit from decisions involving public funds.
The Ombudsman also emphasized that proving a conflict of interest does not require showing that a contract was manipulated or that bribery took place. Authorities explained that under the law, the issue is whether a public official profited or stood to gain financially from a government contract while occupying a public position.
Officials said the alleged conflict of interest itself is already prohibited because it creates doubts about whether government decisions were made fairly and solely for the benefit of the public.
Ang is accused of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The provision prohibits public officials from having either a direct or indirect financial interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which they intervene or are prohibited by law from participating because of their public position.
If found guilty, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act carry serious penalties, including imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and other legal sanctions as provided by law.
The filing of 14 separate counts indicates that investigators found multiple transactions or instances that they believe violated the anti-graft law. Each count will be evaluated individually by the Sandiganbayan, the special anti-graft court tasked with hearing cases involving public officials.
The Sandiganbayan will determine whether the evidence presented by prosecutors is sufficient to establish criminal liability. The filing of charges does not automatically mean that the accused are guilty, as they remain entitled to due process and the opportunity to defend themselves before the court.
Aside from Ang, the Office of the Ombudsman also announced the filing of criminal charges against several former local government officials from Sultan Kudarat.
Former Sultan Kudarat Second District Representative Arnulfo Go, former municipal mayor Dionesio Besana, and municipal employees Allan Bayani and Mario Labrador each face two counts of graft and two counts of malversation.
The cases against the former local officials involve separate allegations from those filed against Ang. Authorities did not provide complete details of the specific transactions involved but confirmed that both graft and malversation charges were filed.
Malversation refers to the illegal use, misuse, or taking of public funds or government property by a public official entrusted with its custody. It is considered one of the most serious offenses involving public money because it directly affects government resources intended for public services.
The filing of these cases reflects the Ombudsman’s continuing efforts to investigate and prosecute public officials accused of violating anti-corruption laws. The office has repeatedly stated that accountability in government remains one of its priorities to help strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
Government anti-corruption laws are designed to ensure that taxpayer money is spent properly and that officials make decisions free from personal financial interests. Authorities have consistently reminded public servants that they are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and integrity while performing their duties.
Legal proceedings will now move to the Sandiganbayan, where prosecutors will present their evidence and the accused will be given the opportunity to answer the allegations against them. The court will decide the outcome based on the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.
As the cases proceed, the Ombudsman emphasized that public officials must always avoid situations where their personal financial interests may conflict with their official responsibilities. The office said strict enforcement of anti-graft laws remains essential in protecting public funds and ensuring that government contracts are awarded and implemented fairly for the benefit of the Filipino people. / aptikons