Sandigan junks lawmaker’s bid to dismiss graft case

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has denied the petition of Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang to dismiss one of his graft cases for conflict of interest over allegedly being a “congtractor” in infrastructure projects.

In a resolution, the anti-graft court dismissed Ang’s motion to quash the case, rejecting the lawmaker’s argument that the Sandiganbayan lacked jurisdiction over the complaint.

Ombudsman prosecutors alleged that Ang unlawfully maintained a financial interest in Allencon Development Corp., where he owned 500 shares in March 2023.

The firm secured a contract for P8.1 million with the Department of Public Works and Highways for road projects in Iloilo and Antique, which the prosecution said caused prejudice and damage to the government and public interest.

Ang argued that regional trial courts should have jurisdiction since the case filed against him lacked explicit damage amounts or bribery, adding that the P8.1 million merely pointed to the total cost of the project rather than a specific amount of damage.

The prosecution, however, argued that the term “damage” under Republic Act 10660 should be interpreted in its plain, ordinary and generic meaning rather than a specific element of a crime.

The anti-graft court also denied for lack of merit Ang’s bid to consolidate his case with another graft charge being handled by the Second Division.