Rep. Ang backs probe in kickback claims amid flood project scandal

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr. has expressed support for a “transparent and impartial investigation” into alleged profiteering from flood control and other government projects.

Ang denied invoking the names of Speaker Martin Romualdez, Rep. Zaldy Co, or any public official, and vowed to pursue legal remedies against those who fabricated and spread unfounded claims.

“I owe it to our constituents not to be cowed by anyone seeking to obscure the truth. I will respond to the allegations against me at the proper time, in the appropriate forum,” he said in a statement on September 11.

Government contractors Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 8 alleging a systemic kickback scheme in DPWH flood control projects.

The Discayas claimed that officials—including Rep. Ang and former Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr.—demanded between 10 % to 25 % of project costs as a precondition for implementation.

They said their initial refusal resulted in project disqualifications, forcing them to comply under duress to protect their family and employees.

In a statement to media, Ang strongly denied the claims and described them as “baseless accusations linking me to alleged corrupt practices and illegal acts.”

Ang also said it was “unfortunate that some interested parties have chosen to resort to name-dragging for their personal agenda” and called on the public to remain “circumspect and… focused on the facts.”

In reaction to related allegations by Department of Public Works and Highways Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo—which asserted Ang had instructed donations from contractors—Ang dismissed the claims as distractions from real issues.