The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has charged Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. with 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that secured P214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in Congress.

“While sitting in Congress, Rep. Ang holds a stake in a construction firm that won ₱214 million in DPWH contracts — and was paid nearly ₱199 million for them,” Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic “Mico” Clavano IV told reporters covering OMB on Saturday, July 25.

According to the OMB, the Constitution bars members of Congress from holding any financial interest in government contracts while serving their terms.

“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,” said Clavano.

“Here, and in many cases, the clear and thick constitutional line is constantly and blatantly being crossed,” he went on.

On July 18, the Ombudsman announced that the complaints against Ang and other congressmen have moved to the preliminary investigation stage.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the complaints are part of the office’s continuing investigation into alleged conflicts of interest involving lawmakers who are also allegedly contractors.

Earlier, the Ombudsman told politicians to choose between public service and private business, saying elected officials should stop engaging in government contracting as the office continues its conflict-of-interest investigations.

Remulla said the practice of mixing public office with private business interests must come to an end.

Those who wish to pursue business, he said, should stay out of politics.