MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman said complaints against Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel “Bong” Rivera and Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang over alleged conflict of interest in infrastructure projects have entered the preliminary investigation stage.

In a report, it said that in an interview on ANC’s Dateline Philippines, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano rejected claims of selective justice following a protest by thousands of Iglesia Ni Cristo members against the Ombudsman’s expected filing of plunder charges against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

Clavano said the Ombudsman is also pursuing possible cases involving other lawmakers.

“I think it’s also quite unfair to call it selective justice because, as of today, actually this is the first time that we will be announcing this, but both Jojo Ang, a congressman, and Noel Rivera have already, well, the investigators have already endorsed their complaints for preliminary investigation,” Clavano said.

“The companies that have won a lot of the contracts are companies that are believed to be theirs, or at least they have beneficial ownership over,” he added.

According to the report, Rivera and his wife, Concepcion Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera, reportedly own Tarlac 3-G Construction & Development Corporation.

The complaint against the Riveras was filed by United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption founder Pyra Lucas, who alleged that the couple conspired to channel around PHP600 million worth of government contracts to a company they allegedly own.

Lucas also claimed that Rivera signed about 30 government contracts awarded to the company since 2018 and earlier urged the Ombudsman to investigate the couple’s alleged mansions, luxury vehicles, landholdings and resort properties.

Meanwhile, Ang has been linked to Iloilo-based International Builders Corp. and Allencon Development Corp., companies allegedly owned by his uncle, Alfonso “Ponso” Tan.

The report said Ang was among the lawmakers recommended by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure for inclusion in criminal and administrative complaints over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Ang has previously denied using his government position for personal gain.

Clavano said the complaints against Rivera and Ang have been under review for “a long time,” but noted that the case involving Marcoleta progressed more quickly because of the senator’s alleged “admissions.”