Ombudsman: Conflict of interest complaints vs 2 solons reach probe stage

MANILA, Philippines — The conflict of interest complaints over alleged ownership of construction firms of two congressmen have reached the preliminary investigation stage, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Thursday.

Clavano noted a general rule that personalities involved in cases cannot be named during the fact-finding investigation level.

READ: Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Ang to ICI: ‘My conscience is clear’

Article continues after this advertisement

“Two have been elevated from fact-finding to preliminary investigation, that’s for congressmen Jojo Ang and Noel Rivera… Well the charge that was or the complaint against them involves conflict of interest. So that’s a violation of RA [Republic Act] 3019,” Clavano, speaking Filipino, told reporters in an interview.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Ang is a representative of Uswag Ilonggo party-list while Rivera is a representative of the 3rd district of Tarlac.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure earlier recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of criminal and administrative cases over Ang and Rivera and other incumbent and former lawmakers and even former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co for having ties with construction firms that obtained contracts from the government.

READ: ICI endorses suing of 8 former, current solons tagged in flood control mess

As RA 3019 is also known as the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act, Clavano said that a congressman is prohibited to own a construction firm. Ang is linked to IBC International Builders Corporation and Allencon Development Corporation while Rivera reportedly has ties with Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Because a congressman has influence over the budget and any reward to a construction company named after them, or can be traced to them via beneficial ownership, is a violation of that conflict of interest rule. That rule is very simple,” Clavano added.

Clavano also explained that in determining conflict of interest, only the ownership of a congressman on a certain construction company needs to be proved, and not if they benefited from a contract of a certain project.

Article continues after this advertisement

He then shared that the two congressmen will be called to answer the complaints during the preliminary investigation as part of their due process.  /jpv

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.