Sandiganbanyan orders arrest of lawmaker for graft charges

National

A PARTY-LIST representative has been ordered arrested for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that won P214 million in contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways and received P199 million in payments while serving in Congress.

In a report by Philstar, the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan also ordered the issuance of a hold-departure order against Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr.

In a resolution dated July 27, the anti-graft court found probable cause to proceed with the trial of Ang for violating Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019).

The resolution came after Ang was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The court also ordered the arrest of former Sultan Kudarat representative Arnulfo Go and three former local officials over separate graft charges.

Go was charged along with former Lebak municipal mayor Dionesio Begas Besana, municipal accountant Allan Gayosa Bayani and municipal treasurer Mario Abasolo Labrador.

The four are facing charges for malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.(MyTVCebu)