The state prosecutors wrapped up their presentation of evidence on Wednesday in the Sandiganbayan 6th Division regarding the graft trial of suspended Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative Jojo Ang.
The ongoing legal proceedings center on two specific counts of graft, which accuse a firm connected to the lawmaker of securing government projects while he held public office.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 11 official Maria Lorna Mallare took the stand as the final witness for the prosecution. Mallare provided testimony concerning a certificate authorizing registration from the BIR, which allegedly details Ang’s financial stake in Allencon Development Corporation.
Through this evidence, prosecutors aimed to demonstrate that the company successfully bagged government contracts while Ang simultaneously maintained his status as a shareholder and a sitting legislator.
Prior to Mallare’s appearance, the prosecution brought forward several other witnesses, including representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).
Additional testimony was delivered by investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the official custodian responsible for maintaining the statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) submitted by members of the House of Representatives.
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s arguments, the defense team is scheduled to commence presenting its own witnesses when the hearings resume on December 2.
In total, Ang faces 14 separate counts of graft before the anti-graft court concerning allegations of conflict of interest tied to public contracts awarded to businesses associated with him.