Momo faces plunder, graft raps; denies 'conflict of interest'

Priests from the Diocese of Tandag and a group of lawyers in Surigao del Sur have filed plunder, graft, and ethics complaints against 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. and several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Commission on Audit (COA), alleging irregularities in more than P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure projects.

Filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday morning, the complaint accuses Momo—who chairs the House committee on public works and highways—of possible violations of the Plunder Law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

The coalition also sought an independent review of DPWH personnel, local government officials, Bids and Awards Committee members, and COA representatives whose signatures appeared in the questioned transactions.

At the center of the complaint are contracts allegedly awarded to Surigao La Suerte Corporation, a private firm where members of Momo’s family hold corporate positions and where he previously served as a director, according to records from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Momo denies wrongdoing

Hours after the complaint was filed, Momo issued an official statement rejecting the allegations and asserting that there is no conflict of interest in his work as Surigao del Sur’s representative.

He described the accusations as “baseless” and “politically motivated,” insisting that attempts to link him to corruption stem from a “political vendetta” meant to damage his name.

Momo said he had long divested from Surigao La Suerte Corp., stressing that he is no longer part of the company. He vowed to respond to the allegations “in the proper forum.”

Citing more than 40 years of public service, Momo said he has always adhered to principles of integrity and accountability.

“Public office is a public trust,” he said, reaffirming that he will not betray the people of Surigao del Sur and will continue to serve with “utmost responsibility and accountability.”

The Ombudsman has yet to announce whether it will proceed with a formal investigation.