QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr. in connection with graft charges stemming from his alleged financial stake in a private firm that secured government infrastructure projects.
The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division issued a four-page resolution requiring Ang to step down temporarily from his seat in the House of Representatives while trial proceedings continue.
“ACCORDINGLY, the Court hereby orders the SUSPENSION pendente lite of accused James Ang Dit Ang Jr. as member of the House of Representatives, and from any other public position he may now or hereafter hold for a period of 90 days from receipt of this Resolution,” the Sandiganbayan ruled.
A copy of the order was directed to the Speaker of the House for execution, with the court requesting an update on implementation within 15 days.
“The House Speaker is requested to inform this Court, within 15 days from receipt of this Resolution, of the action taken thereon,” the resolution noted.
“The suspension of accused Ang shall automatically be lifted upon the expiration of the 90-day period from the implementation of this Resolution,” the court added.
Ang is fighting two counts of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The anti-graft tribunal cited Section 13 of the same statute, which provides for the suspension of any incumbent public official undergoing valid prosecution under anti-graft laws.
“As pointed out by accused Ang, suspension under the said provision is not automatic. However, it is mandatory,” the tribunal stated.
During a September 1 hearing, the court had asked Ang to present reasons why he should avoid suspension.
In response, the lawmaker submitted a manifestation arguing that temporary removal was unnecessary since he had divested his shares and financial interest in Allencon Development Corporation.
Ang contended that the alleged offense was no longer active, asserting that continuing his legislative work would not allow him to manipulate company records, sway employees, or derail court proceedings. He further claimed that the evidence against him was weak and that a temporary suspension would deprive his constituents and party-list of representation in Congress.
However, the anti-graft court emphasized that Ang was already granted an opportunity to challenge the validity of his formal charges.
His previous motion to quash questioning the court’s jurisdiction was dismissed on August 24, and he subsequently pleaded not guilty during his September 1 arraignment.
“Any remaining objection to the validity of the Informations has been deemed waived,” the court declared.
“In fine, the requisites for suspension under Sec. 13 of Republic Act No. 3019 have been met,” the justices ruled.
The four-page resolution was authored by Sixth Division Chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, with Associate Justices Kevin Narce Vivero and Lord Villanueva concurring.
The case follows an announcement from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding graft charges filed against Ang, alleging that he retained a pecuniary interest in a construction company that obtained ₱214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while serving as a sitting member of Congress.
“While sitting in Congress, Rep. Ang holds a stake in a construction firm that won ₱214 million in DPWH contracts — and was paid nearly ₱199 million for them,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano stated earlier, pointing out that the Constitution forbids members of Congress from maintaining financial interest in any government contract throughout their term in office.