The Sandiganbayan Second Division has rescheduled the arraignment of Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative Jojo Ang to September 8 concerning graft charges over an alleged conflict of interest in government infrastructure projects.
Ang was initially scheduled to plead on Monday, but the anti-graft court put the proceeding on hold to review motions submitted by his defense team.
The lawmaker petitioned the court to quash or dismiss the criminal charges against him.
His legal counsel also requested the consolidation of his pending cases across various Sandiganbayan divisions, arguing that they share substantially similar allegations and stem from the same alleged infraction.
However, the court pointed out that the charges arise from separate transactions involving projects valued at around ₱17 million and ₱3.4 million. Given that the transactions are distinct, the court noted that establishing the alleged offenses would require separate sets of evidence.
Arguments Over Government Financial Damage
During the hearing, Ang’s counsel asserted that the prosecution failed to explicitly state the actual monetary loss suffered by the government, maintaining that the amounts cited in the charge sheets represent total project costs rather than actual damages.
The defense emphasized that the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction hinges on the specifics stated in the criminal information, particularly the degree of alleged government damage. Under Republic Act No. 10660, the anti-graft court holds jurisdiction over corruption cases where the alleged damage or bribe exceeds ₱1 million.
Additionally, Ang’s team highlighted that the implicated infrastructure projects were fully completed, passed final inspections, and were completely paid for by the government.
In response, prosecutors argued that a public official entering into a legally prohibited transaction inflicts inherent damage to the government by undermining public trust and interest. The prosecution contended that the project values listed in the information reflect the damage incurred.
The court reiterated that at this preliminary stage, prosecutors are not yet required to present formal evidence to prove their claims.
The charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman allege that Ang held a prohibited financial interest in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects while serving in Congress.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division previously confirmed that Ang posted a ₱90,000 bail bond for the case.