Ombudsman: Cagayan solon Lara under preliminary investigation over contractor ties

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Ombudsman investigators have filed a P1.9 billion plunder complaint vs. Cagayan Rep. Jojo Lara over his alleged ownership of construction companies which won government contracts, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday.

Remulla said the complaint for preliminary investigation has been filed before the Ombudsman for Lara's alleged stake in two construction firms that secured government projects.

“For PI, we filed against Jojo Lara for JLL Pulsar Construction and JDL5 Construction Corporation,” Remulla said in a press conference.

“There was supposed to be a divestment, which, we think, did not really happen, because the money paid to these construction companies still went to his private bank account. P1.9 billion pesos,” he added.

GMA News Online has reached out to Lara for comment and will publish his comment as soon as it is available.

Remulla's remarks on the day the Ombudsman filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales before the Sandiganbayan over alleged engagement as a contractor while serving as a lawmaker.

This was confirmed by the Judicial and Records Division of the anti-graft court.

The Ombudsman is yet to provide further details and is expected to conduct a press briefing on the matter at 1 p.m.

Gonzales served as congressman representing the third district of Pampanga from 2007 to 2013, and again from 2016 to 2025.

Also facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan is Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang.

Ang is facing 14 counts of graft for allegedly having a stake in a construction firm that won P214 million in DPWH contracts, and was paid nearly P199 million for them, even while he is in public office. —NB, GMA News