‘I WILL RESIGN IF TRUE’: Ang denies cash suitcases, dares accusers to show proof

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang denied allegations by 18 former Marines linking him to cash-filled suitcases tied to irregular flood control projects, saying he would resign if the claims are proved true.

In sworn affidavits, the former soldiers accused Ang of receiving suitcases filled with cash allegedly linked to irregular flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and tied to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

The ex-Marines, who reportedly served as Co’s bodyguards, claimed they were tasked with delivering kickbacks to several lawmakers.

In Ang’s case, the affidavits alleged that he received suitcases of cash at the Polo Club Townhouse.

“I will resign immediately if there was really a suitcase given by the Marines at the townhouse,” he said in an interview Thursday, June 11.

He reiterated that he has never received any such payments.

“From the very beginning, I have already said that I did not receive anything. Honest to goodness, I did not receive anything,” he said.

Ang also challenged his accusers to obtain closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the townhouse, saying he is willing to sign a waiver allowing the release of the recordings.

“They can open the CCTV camera at the Polo Club Townhouse they are referring to. It can be accessed if they want. If I received anything or if something was handed to me, it would be visible there,” he said.

Ang was among four Western Visayas lawmakers named in the affidavits, alongside Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, and former Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel.

Ang said he no longer intends to file cases against the ex-Marines and their lawyer, Levi Baligod.

Baronda and Garin earlier filed cyber libel and perjury complaints before the Department of Justice against the 18 former Marines and Baligod.

Asked what could have prompted the allegations, Ang said it may be due to his perceived closeness to individuals linked to the flood control controversy.

“I don’t really know. Maybe it is because of my closeness to our friends at the House,” he said.

This is not the first time Ang has been implicated in the flood control scandal.

In early September 2025, he was among the lawmakers publicly named in reports linking them to alleged anomalous flood control projects in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The allegations centered on claims that he used his position to steer contracts and benefit financially, similar to accusations leveled against several other lawmakers.

In November 2025, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) — the body created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2025 to investigate flood control anomalies — recommended criminal or administrative charges, or both, against four lawmakers, including Ang.

Ang has since categorically denied accusations connecting him to corruption in flood control projects, saying he was never involved in any bribery, kickbacks, or irregular bidding.

He also said his conscience is clear and that he would cooperate with any legitimate investigation to vindicate himself.