Ombudsman files 3 graft charges against former Pampanga…

Ombudsman files 3 graft charges against former Pampanga Rep. Gonzales over ₱611 million flood control projects

📌 On October 16 (Friday), the Office of the Ombudsman filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. with the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court. He is accused of having prohibited financial interests in flood control projects worth over ₱611 million that his family's construction company won while he was in office.

■ Case Background
· The charges fall under Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from having direct or indirect financial interests in contracts they may participate in officially.
· The company in question is ADG Construction (A.D. Gonzales Jr. Construction), and the three contracts were awarded by the Region 3 office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
· The projects are: flood mitigation facilities in San Fernando and Bacolor (over ₱252 million), flood control and slope protection works in Mexico town (over ₱94 million), and another flood management project in Mexico town (about ₱265 million).

■ Investigation and Current Status
· Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that although Gonzales claimed to have transferred his shares, the money kept flowing back to him, meaning there was no real divestment. According to anti-money laundering records, payments made to the company ended up in his personal account.
· Gonzales's side has reportedly claimed that the share payment went to his sister. The allegations will be resolved in court.
· The case began with an investigation by the Ombudsman's Field Investigation Office in July and August, and complaints from residents of Barangay Santo Cristo in Mexico town. The residents submitted photos showing erosion, collapse, and cracks in the concrete slope protection structures.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Pampanga has been placed under a state of calamity province-wide due to flooding this year, and controversy over poorly built flood control facilities continues, including the recent successive collapses of the Arayat dike earlier this month.
· If you are traveling through low-lying riverside areas in Mexico, Bacolor, or San Fernando during heavy rain, please check guidance from provincial and city disaster management authorities first.

■ Source
The Manila Times (10/16), Daily Tribune (10/16)

■ Photos
· 1. Former Pampanga Rep. speaking in the House plenary hall — rappler.com
· 2. Former Pampanga Rep. delivering a speech at an event — Daily Tribune