ILOILO City – Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. has issued a firm denial after being tagged in an alleged kickback scheme involving Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood-control projects.
“I strongly and categorically deny the baseless accusations linking me to alleged corrupt practices and illegal acts. The ongoing flood-control investigation is a serious matter. I am totally surprised that my name has been mentioned,” Ang declared in an official statement.
The lawmaker lamented what he described as an orchestrated attempt to drag his name into controversy.
“It is unfortunate that some interested parties have chosen to resort to name-dragging for their personal agenda. It is a convenient distraction from the real issues. I urge the public to be circumspect and to remain focused on the facts,” he stressed.
Ang’s reaction came after contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, owners of the controversial St. Gerrard Construction, alleged before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that several legislators and officials — including Ang, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Ako Bicol party-list’s Cong. Zaldy Co, among others — were part of a kickback network where demands ranged from 10 to as high as 25 percent of project funds.
In his testimony, Curlee Discaya linked Ang’s projects to allocations from Romualdez and Co.
“Si Cong. Jojo Ang naman ay lagi ring binabanggit na lahat ng project sa kanya ay papondo ni Speaker at ni Zaldy Co kaya mataas ang hinihingi sa project,” he alleged.
Ang, however, denounced corruption in all its forms and said he remains committed to accountability.
“I denounce all types of corruption that prejudices not just the government but undermines the trust reposed to us by the Filipino people. I am one with the people in exacting accountability from those responsible for robbing our people of their hard-earned taxes and eroding the integrity of our institutions. We should all be guided by the truth and the rule of law.”
The Iloilo City-based congressman underscored his adherence to his sworn duty.
“Then and now, I have adhered to my mandate to serve the people and the sector I represent with integrity. My actions have been and will always be guided by my commitment to fulfill that trust.”
Ang was first elected congressman via the party-list system in the 2022 elections and was reelected in the 2025 polls. He was the Iloilo City-based Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s first nominee in both elections.
The Senate inquiry continues to unravel possible collusion among legislators, DPWH officials, and middlemen in the alleged rigging of public works projects./PN
