Uswag Ilonggo solon denies name-dropping Romualdez, Co to collect kickbacks
By Tara Yap
ANG
ILOILO CITY – Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. of Uswag Ilonggo party-list has denied name-dropping House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bikol party-list to collect alleged kickbacks in flood control projects.
“I have never invoked the names of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and Rep. Zaldy Co,” said Ang in a new statement.
Ang issued the statement days after he was linked to kickbacks by contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and wife Sarah.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Abelardo Calalo said Ang instructed him to solicit donations from other contractors to support infrastructure projects of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste.
“I will respond to allegations against me at the proper forum,” Ang said.
The party-list solon he might pursue legal actions.
“I will pursue every legal remedy available against those who fabricated and spread unfounded claims,” Ang said. “I owe it to our constituents not to be cowed by anyone seeking to obscure the truth,” Ang added.
Ang is the nephew of the owners of International Builders Corp. (IBC), the biggest contractor in Western Visayas region.
Ang dealt with many local government officials before he was elected as the first nominee of Uswag party-list in the May 2022 elections.