Sandiganbayan resets Jojo Ang’s 3rd arraignment for graft

Sandiganbayan reset the third arraignment of Uswag Ilonggo party-list Representative Jojo Ang for graft-related charges on Thursday, according to the court's clerk of court. The proceeding was scheduled for August 3, 2026, but was postponed due to ongoing legal motions filed by Ang. These include a request to quash or dismiss his case and another seeking consolidation of all 14 counts against him. Ang is accused of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, commonly known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Prosecutors allege that he held a financial interest in a construction company that secured P214 million in public works contracts during his tenure as a party-list representative. This charge pertains to the prohibition against government officials having direct or indirect financial interests in transactions in which they participate through their official roles. The reset of Ang’s arraignment follows previous postponements. His initial arraignments at the Sandiganbayan Second Division on August 3 and the Fifth Division on August 12 were both delayed for similar reasons. The Second Division rescheduled the proceeding to September 8, while the Fifth Division moved it to September 24. The Fourth Division, however, has not yet determined a new date for Ang’s arraignment. During his first arraignment, Ang’s legal counsel, Luis Veracruz, stated that the defense team filed a motion to quash, challenging the jurisdiction of the anti-graft court over the case. This move suggests that the defense believes the Sandiganbayan lacks authority to adjudicate Ang’s allegations. Separately, Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel “Bong” Rivera made an appearance before the Sandiganbayan Third Division for his arraignment related to one of his nine graft cases. However, the hearing was reset to August 18, as per a court source. Rivera, dressed in a pair of maong jeans, reportedly arrived at the court with his legal team. While the specifics of his case remain under review, the delay underscores the procedural complexities often encountered in high-profile corruption trials. Both Ang and Rivera are among several lawmakers facing graft-related investigations. Their cases highlight the ongoing scrutiny of political figures by anti-corruption agencies. The Sandiganbayan, tasked with handling such matters, has become a focal point for legal battles between prosecutors and defendants. Legal experts suggest that the repeated delays reflect the strategic maneuvers of defense teams aiming to challenge the validity of charges or seek procedural advantages. Such tactics are common in complex criminal cases, particularly those involving prominent individuals. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcomes of these arraignments will likely influence future developments in the broader landscape of anti-graft enforcement in the country. The next steps for both Ang and Rivera will depend on the resolution of their respective motions and the scheduling of further hearings.