Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Jojo Ang pleads not guilty in graft case

MANILA, Philippines—Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in one of his graft cases before the Sandiganbayan Second Division.

The lawmaker, who personally pleaded during the arraignment and pretrial proceedings, is accused of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The provision prohibits public officials from “directly or indirectly having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction, in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity, or in which he is prohibited by the Constitution, or by any law from having any interest.”

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READ: Sandiganbayan affirms denying Jojo Ang bid to consolidate 14 graft cases

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The Office of the Ombudsman previously filed 14 graft counts against Ang over his alleged links to a construction firm that secured P214-million worth of contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division handles five of Ang’s criminal cases.

The lawmaker had already entered a not guilty plea in his four other criminal cases in earlier proceedings conducted on Sept. 8 and Sept. 15.

The prosecution is expected to present its evidence against Ang on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

If the defense will also present evidence, it can do so on Jan. 12 and Jan. 21. /apl