By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has formally moved two conflict-of-interest complaints involving incumbent members of the House of Representatives into the preliminary investigation phase, marking a significant step in the anti-graft body’s legal proceedings.
Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic “Mico” Clavano disclosed that the complaints against Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang and Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera are no longer under fact-finding review and are now undergoing preliminary investigation.
Clavano explained that while cases remain confidential during the fact-finding stage, those involving Ang and Rivera have progressed after investigators found sufficient basis to proceed to the next level of inquiry.
The complaints stem from alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, particularly its provisions prohibiting public officials from maintaining business interests that may conflict with their official duties.
According to Clavano, legislators who exercise influence over the national budget are barred from owning or having beneficial interests in construction companies that may secure government-funded projects. He emphasized that the law is intended to prevent situations where public office could directly or indirectly benefit private business interests.
Authorities are examining allegations linking Ang to IBC International Builders Corporation and Allencon Development Corporation, while Rivera has been associated with Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation.
The complaints originated from recommendations submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which urged the Ombudsman to pursue both criminal and administrative cases against several incumbent and former lawmakers, as well as former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, over alleged connections to construction firms awarded public infrastructure contracts.
Clavano clarified that prosecutors are not required to establish that a lawmaker personally profited from a government contract to pursue a conflict-of-interest case. Instead, investigators must determine whether the official held ownership or beneficial control over a company whose business activities fall within the scope prohibited by law.
As part of the preliminary investigation, the two lawmakers will be allowed to answer the allegations and submit their respective defenses before the Ombudsman determines whether to file formal charges with the appropriate court.
The Office of the Ombudsman has not yet announced a timetable for the completion of the preliminary investigation.
ia/xf
