The Office of the Ombudsman has formally initiated lifestyle checks on 26 members of the House of Representatives suspected of involvement in government contracts through what investigators have dubbed the “congtractor” scheme.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed Thursday that the probe has entered its investigative stage after authorities secured and began reviewing the lawmakers’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
“The first 26, we have already assigned them to the investigative teams to do lifestyle checks as well as further investigation. These are what we call ‘congtractors,’” Clavano said during a press conference.
The inquiry was triggered by intelligence reports suggesting that several legislators may have undisclosed financial interests in private firms engaged in government transactions. Such arrangements are prohibited under Republic Act 6713, which bars conflicts of interest and requires public officials to maintain lifestyles consistent with their lawful income.
Clavano noted that the current list of 26 lawmakers is only the initial batch, with a second round of SALN requests being prepared to expand the investigation to additional members of Congress.
While the identities of the 26 lawmakers have not been disclosed, the Ombudsman confirmed it is also pursuing former House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada, who is alleged to have been involved in questionable public works transactions.
Clavano said investigators are still working to secure Gabonada’s financial records.
“That is the one that we want, and that is the one that we will proceed on,” Clavano added.
The case against Gabonada stems from claims regarding his alleged involvement in infrastructure funding processes. The investigation gained momentum following accusations made by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who alleged that Gabonada acted as a “bagman” for former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez in connection with government deals.
The Ombudsman is currently cross-referencing SALNs with external financial data to determine whether declared assets match official incomes or if lawmakers benefited from illicit government contracts.