DOJ says MR won’t block filing of charges vs Atong Ang

The Department of Justice said there is no legal obstacle to the filing of criminal charges in court against trader Charlie “Atong” Ang despite a pending motion for reconsideration filed by his camp.

Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez clarified that the motion for reconsideration does not suspend the filing of the case in court.

Ang’s camp filed the motion last Friday through his lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal.

Martinez explained that while the National Prosecution Service reviews the motion, prosecutors are simultaneously authorized to finalize the criminal information and proceed with the indictment.

The legal process allows the review of the motion and the filing of cases in court to proceed concurrently, without one stalling the other, he said.

Government prosecutors earlier found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Ang and 21 other individuals for multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

Prosecutors alleged that Ang exercised command responsibility over the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts who were allegedly targeted for cheating.

The charges are set to be filed before various Regional Trial Courts, with prosecutors also seeking to later consolidate proceedings in Manila to ensure a fair trial.

In response, Villareal condemned the DOJ resolution, describing it as deeply flawed and grossly unfair. He argued that the panel relied almost exclusively on the testimony of whistleblower Julie Patidongan.

Ang’s camp has instead asked that the investigation be remanded to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, alleging that Patidongan and his family members were the actual perpetrators of the abductions.

Ang’s counsel cited video evidence and the Patidongans’ own affidavits as proof of their alleged direct involvement, claiming the whistleblower was attempting to deflect blame by implicating his client.