Ang sees flood probe as chance to clear name

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. considers the allegations linking government officials to corruption in flood control projects as a “positive” development, saying the ongoing investigations will help prove his innocence.

Ang, who has been accused of receiving kickbacks or commissions from flood control projects, made an appearance at the holiday dinner of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Iloilo on Thursday, Dec. 4.

Speaking before local chief executives of Iloilo province, he said the scrutiny favors him and the local governments he works with.

“Do not be troubled by what is happening now; this is positive. What is happening now favors us, it favors the local government unit, it favors our place because we are not behaving badly or dishonestly here,” he said.

“I think that the future is brighter. I can see light at the end,” he added.

The lawmaker likened the ongoing investigations against several government officials to a journey across an open sea in the middle of a typhoon.

“The situation now is like we are passing through an open sea during a typhoon, where there are big waves. There is turbulence, and that is natural,” he said.

Ang again reiterated his innocence, stressing that he never used his position for personal gain.

“Rest assured that our group will continue to give service and will deliver you a champion, sincere, and service with integrity. And more importantly, no stealing. That is rare. We have integrity,” he said.

“Our vision and mission is not commission,” he added.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recently recommended plunder, graft, and conflict-of-interest charges against Ang and seven other “cong-tractors” in the Office of the Ombudsman for ties to construction firms that secured government contracts.

The ICI cited the connections of Ang to Iloilo-based construction firms International Builders Corporation and Allencon Development Corp., both owned by Ang’s uncle, Alfonso Tan.