THE Sandiganbayan is not keen on the idea of consolidating 14 graft charges filed against a partylist congressman whose name forms part of a notorious list of the so-called “cong-tractors.”
In its resolution dated August 24, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division junked Uswag Ilonggo partylist Rep. Jojo Ang’s motion to consolidate his graft case with a similar charge he’s facing in another division.
According to the Sandiganbayan, consolidation of Ang’s cases after the raffle is discretionary — not mandatory. The partylist congressman is facing 14 graft cases, and the lowest docket number of the graft case leveled against him is pending before the Second Division.
“The 14 cases arose from the same Resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman. Each of the 14 cases involves a project awarded by DPWH to Allencon [Development Corporation], wherein accused Ang was allegedly a stockholder. Although the said cases appear to be similar in nature, it is undeniable that each case involves a project separate and distinct from the others,” reads part of the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division resolution.
“Thus, it is improbable that there will be conflicting rulings on factual matters,” it added.
In junking Ang’s bid, the anti-graft court said consolidating cases would only cause delay since the set of evidence for each will be different from each other, requiring more time.
“If the cases are consolidated, instead of deciding the case immediately after the parties present their respective evidence insofar as a specific project is concerned, the court must allow the parties to present evidence as to all concerned projects, and will have to consider more documentary exhibits and witness testimonies before deciding the cases,” it said.
“Hence, consolidation must be denied. Accordingly, accused Ang’s Motion for Consolidation is hereby denied for lack of merit.”
