ILOILO City – Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. is among eight lawmakers that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended for criminal and administrative charges over alleged irregularities linked to 1,300 flood control and other infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.
Reached for his reaction, Ang maintained that he has never used his position for personal gain and vowed to clear his name.
Ang added that he holds the trust of Ilonggos “strongly” and would never betray their faith.
ICI chair Andres Reyes on Wednesday, Nov. 26, announced that the panel found sufficient basis to endorse cases against eight “cong-tractors” — a term the commission uses for legislators allegedly connected to or with interests in construction firms securing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts.
“These so-called ‘cong-tractors’ are those members of Congress or their partners or family members who own construction firms that receive project awards or obtain contracts from the DPWH,” Reyes said, adding that the officials “appeared to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, among others.”
Those named include:
* former congressman Zaldy Co
* Cong. Edwin Gardiola
* Cong. James Ang Jr.
* Cong. Jernie Jett Nisay
* Cong. Augustina Pancho
* Cong. Joseph Lara
* Cong. Francisco Matugas
* Cong. Noel Rivera
Ang: ‘My Conscience Is Clear’
“My conscience is clear. I am confident that I will be able to clear my name soon,” Ang said in a statement issued yesterday. “My resolve for truth to come out is stronger and clearer.”
He said he remains committed to “what is true and just” and is ready to face the allegations “in the proper forum.”
In a previous statement he issued on Sept. 11, when he was first dragged into the controversy involving flood control projects, Ang said he “fully support a transparent and impartial investigation of those alleged to have profited from flood control and other government projects. The Filipino people deserve nothing less than the truth.”
“I have never invoked the name of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Representatives Zaldy Co, or any public official. I will pursue every legal remedy available against those who fabricated and spread these unfounded claims. I owe it to our constituents not to be cowed by anyone seeking to obscure the truth,” Ang said, adding that he would respond “at the proper time, in the appropriate forum.”
Political Allies Wait For Details
Panay News also sought a reaction from Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., an ally of Ang in the last midterm election, but he has yet to issue a statement as of press time.
Iloilo 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor, another close political ally of Ang, said they had spoken recently and that Ang is prepared to face the allegations.
“Naka-istoryahanay kami ni Cong. Jojo Ang kag hambal ya handa sia nga madepensahan ang lawas ya kay wala sia ginhimu nga sala,” Cong. Defensor said.
The ICI’s recommendations are expected to be forwarded to appropriate government bodies such as the Office of the Ombudsman for action./PN
