Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Uswag Ilonggo solon Jojo Ang over alleged graft
By Jel Santos
(JEL SANTOS/MB FILE PHOTO)
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the arrest of Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. and issued a Hold Departure Order (HDO) after finding probable cause to try him for alleged graft.
“After a careful review of the resolution and its supporting documents, as well as the records, the court finds that probable cause exists in this case, pursuant to Section 5, Rule 112 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure,” the anti-graft court stated.
“Accordingly, let a warrant of arrest be ISSUED against accused James Ang Dit Ang, Jr. Let a Hold Departure Order (HDO) be ISSUED against the accused.”
The Third Division is chaired by Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda.
On July 25, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) announced that it had filed 14 counts of graft against Ang before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that obtained ₱214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was serving in Congress.
Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic “Mico” Clavano IV said Ang retained an interest in a construction firm that secured ₱214 million in DPWH contracts and received nearly ₱199 million in payments while serving in Congress.
The OMB noted that the Constitution bars members of Congress from holding any financial interest in government contracts while serving their terms.
On July 18, the Ombudsman announced that the complaints against Ang and other congressmen have moved to the preliminary investigation stage.