Priests, lawyers file plunder, graft raps vs Surigao del Sur solon

A group of priests from the Diocese of Tandag and members of the legal profession in Surigao del Sur on Friday filed multiple complaints against Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo and others over the alleged anomalous use of ₱1.4 billion in government-funded projects.

The lawmaker, along with some members of his family, is facing plunder, graft, and ethics complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. The cases center on contracts allegedly awarded to Surigao La Suerte Corporation (SLSC).

According to the complaint, the congressman and some members of his family were allegedly corporate officers of SLSC. It further claimed that Momo Sr. previously appeared as a director of the company.

“SEC filings show Congressman Momo was listed as a director during periods when SLSC was obtaining government projects. The company's paid-up capital increased dramatically, from P10 million in 2019 to P200 million in 2023. These are not ordinary circumstances,” the group said in a statement.

The group also cited that Momo, before becoming a lawmaker and co-chairing the House Committee on Infrastructure, was a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) executive—a position that involved oversight of national planning, regional operations, and project implementation across the country.

“This dual history—leading DPWH infrastructure from the Executive branch and later from Congress—heightens concerns that a corporation tied to his own family repeatedly secured large government contracts,” the group added.

In response, Momo denied the allegations against him and his family and described the complaints as politically motivated.

“I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my work as Surigao Del Sur first district representative. Such imputation of using public office for personal gain is not true,” Momo said in a statement.

“I had already, in fact, divested from the Surigao La Suerte Corp. a long time ago. I’m no longer part of this company. Besides, it’s not doing business in my Congressional district. People and documents can attest to that. These baseless complaints are all political motivated. It is nothing more than a desperate attempt to link me to a supposed corruption scandal,” he added.

The lawmaker also said he will address the allegations at the proper forum and at the appropriate time, together with his family.