MANILA, Philippines — Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lara and his relatives are being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman for possible plunder in connection with billions of pesos worth of government contracts awarded to three construction firms owned by his family.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Lara is facing complaints for plunder and graft in connection with infrastructure projects awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to his companies.
Included in the probe are Lara’s wife, Zarah Rose; their children Joseph Joshua, Joseph Jeremy, Joseph Kyle and Joseph II, and their daughter-in-law, Jessa.
Lara, who served as vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations in the 19th Congress, allegedly maintained financial interests in three private firms – Pulsar, JDL5 and JLL Pulsar construction corporations – while holding public office.
“It was supposed to be a divestment, which we think did not really happen because the money paid to these companies still went to his private bank account,” Remulla said.
The ombudsman said Lara allegedly amassed about P10.02 billion in ill-gotten wealth in conspiracy with members of his family.
Anti-graft investigators cited a report of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which showed Lara received P1.9 billion from his relatives and affiliated entities as well as from DPWH offices between 2019 and 2025.
The ombudsman said the lawmaker received about P3.8 billion from the DPWH, affiliated construction firms and joint ventures tied to government infrastructure projects.
Lara and his wife allegedly acquired additional financial interests amounting to approximately P6.1 billion linked to DPWH infrastructure contracts.
The complaint alleged that Lara and some members of his family concealed their identities as owners of the construction companies.
Remulla said the ombudsman would continue examining financial transactions and corporate arrangements that may have been used to conceal prohibited interests in government contracts.
He said the allegations remain subject to preliminary investigation, during which Lara and the other respondents will be given an opportunity to answer the complaints and present their defenses.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant the filing of criminal charges before an appropriate court, Remulla said.