‘CONGTRACTORS’: Partylist rep says ready to face Ombudsman cases

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. said he is ready to face any complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, maintaining that his conscience is clear amid allegations linking him to construction firms flagged in an infrastructure corruption probe.

“My conscience is clear. I am confident that I will be able to clear my name soon. My resolve for truth to come out is stronger and clearer,” Ang said Wednesday, Nov. 26.

“I hold the trust of the Ilonggos strongly, and will never betray the faith of my kasimanwas in me as their representative in Uswag Ilonggo Party-list since 2022,” he added.

Ang is among eight incumbent and former lawmakers the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended for criminal and administrative charges before the Ombudsman over alleged conflicts of interest in government construction projects.

The others include former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, Construction Workers Solidarity Rep. Edwin Gardiola, Pusong Pinoy Rep. Jernie Nisay, Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho, Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas, and Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera.

“These so-called ‘congtractors’ are those members of Congress or their partners or family members who own construction firms that received project awards or obtained contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways,” said ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr.

The ICI said it had identified more than 1,300 infrastructure projects awarded from 2016 to 2024 to contractors linked to the eight lawmakers.

In Ang’s case, the ICI flagged his reported connections to IBC International Builders Corp. and Allencon Development Corp., both owned by his uncle, Alfonso “Don Ponso” Tan.

‘Clear conscience’ 

Ang has denied exerting influence, saying he has never used his position in government for personal gain.

“I stand firm on what is true and just, emphasizing that I am ready to face any case that will be filed against me in the proper forum,” he said.

According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) records, Allencon maintained a modest project pipeline from 2016 until 2022, the year Ang assumed office in Congress.

That same year, the company’s government contract awards surged to PHP 125 million. By 2025, its awarded contracts ballooned to PHP 1.29 billion, totaling approximately PHP 2.2 billion over nine years.

IBC, meanwhile, is considered the largest construction company in Western Visayas, based on DPWH data.

Since 2016, IBC has secured more than PHP 43 billion in public works contracts, including joint venture projects. It was widely known that Ang served as IBC’s liaison with local officials across the region before he entered politics.

Even prior to Ang’s term, IBC had already been expanding rapidly—posting PHP 2.9 billion in awarded contracts in 2016 and climbing to PHP 6.6 billion by 2025.

An end to ‘congtractor’ culture

Reyes said members of Congress are constitutionally barred from having any direct or indirect financial interest in government contracts, franchises, or privileges during their term of office.

He added that lawmakers who interfere in procurement processes or benefit from government contracts may be in violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“These congressmen should not be engaging in private business activities that conflict with their official duties. They should not influence bids and awards,” Reyes said.

“Members of Congress must not sway procurement processes, nor should they participate in or benefit from government contracts,” he added.

Reyes emphasized that the commission’s recommendation seeks to put an end to the “congtractor” culture in Congress.

“Public office is a privilege. It should not be used for personal gain or self-dealing. Filing these recommendations allows us to begin again and put the country first,” he said.