MANILA — Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Jojo Ang pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to another graft count before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, which now handles five of the 14 graft cases against him over alleged conflict of interest in infrastructure projects.
The case, docketed as E-SB-26-CRM-0035, was originally raffled to the Seventh Division but was later transferred to the Second Division after the court granted Ang’s motion for consolidation.
Ang, who personally appeared during arraignment, has entered not guilty pleas in the four other cases before the Second Division.
The trial is set for Oct. 20 and 27 at 1:30 p.m., when Ang and another defense witness, Atty. Alfredo Arungayab III, are expected to testify.
READ: Sandiganbayan suspends Rep. Jojo Ang
He also faces three graft cases each before the First and Fifth divisions, two before the Sixth Division and one before the Third Division.
The Fifth Division earlier denied Ang's bid to consolidate his cases for lack of merit.
On Sept. 21, the Sixth Division ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against Ang.
Prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman alleged that Ang unlawfully maintained a financial interest in Allencon Development Corp., where he reportedly owned 500 shares.