By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has intensified its crackdown on alleged corruption involving government infrastructure projects after ordering the arrest of several current and former public officials and barring them from leaving the country as they face graft and malversation charges.
In separate resolutions, the anti-graft court’s Third Division found probable cause to issue arrest warrants against Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang, former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go, and their co-accused Allan Gayosa Bayani and Mario Abasolo Labrador.
The court likewise issued hold departure orders (HDOs) against all four respondents to ensure they remain within the jurisdiction of Philippine courts while the criminal proceedings are underway.
Rep. Ang is facing multiple counts of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, over allegations that he retained a financial interest in a private construction company while serving as a member of Congress.
State prosecutors alleged that the firm secured approximately ₱214 million worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure contracts and received nearly ₱199 million in government payments during the period in question.
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed 14 counts of graft against the lawmaker.
Ang has denied the allegations, insisting he committed no wrongdoing. He also rejected claims made by jailed contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, who previously identified him as one of several lawmakers allegedly listed in a supposed payoff ledger involving government infrastructure projects.
Former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go, together with Bayani and Labrador, is facing charges of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.
The charges stem from a separate investigation involving alleged irregularities in the handling of public funds connected to government infrastructure projects.
In issuing the warrants, the Sandiganbayan ruled that the evidence presented by prosecutors was sufficient to establish probable cause, allowing the criminal cases to proceed to trial.
The accompanying hold departure orders prohibit the accused from leaving the Philippines without court approval, a legal measure commonly imposed to ensure their availability throughout judicial proceedings.
The latest court action forms part of the government’s broader effort to pursue accountability over alleged anomalies in public infrastructure spending, particularly projects funded through the Department of Public Works and Highways.
While the issuance of arrest warrants and travel restrictions marks a significant development in the cases, it does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Under Philippine law, all of the accused remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt after the completion of court proceedings.
ia/xf
