The Sandiganbayan ordered the 90-day suspension of Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang in connection with his graft cases over his alleged ties to a construction firm that won government contracts.
The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division said the suspension is mandatory under the law for those charged with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act 3019.
It also said there is no more question about the validity of the information filed against him.
It rejected his contention that there was no need to place him under preventive suspension because the allegation of financial or pecuniary interest in a government contract, which formed the basis of the charges against him, no longer exists.
“In fine, the requisites for suspension under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019 have been met. Accordingly, the Court hereby orders the suspension pendente lite of accused James Ang Dit Ang Jr., as member of the House of Representatives,” it said.
Ang was charged with violation of RA 3019 for alleged unlawful interest in Allencon Development Corporation, a construction firm that landed government infrastructure projects worth millions of pesos.
The prosecution alleged that Ang had 500 shares of stocks in the construction firm, which is contrary to the constitutional provision that bars members of Congress from having financial interest in any government contract for the duration of his or her term.
But he contended that he had completely divested himself of his shares and interests in Allencon, and that the alleged violation has ceased.
He further said there was no justification for his suspension because the evidence of guilt is not strong, and that suspending him would deprive Uswag Ilonggo of representation.
But the court said the requirements had been met for the suspension.
It said the validity of the information for two counts of violation of the anti-graft law has been determined.
It also said Ang was given the opportunity to challenge the validity of the charges through a Motion to Quash, which was denied.
He has been arraigned and pleaded not guilty.