Ombudsman bares probe of Cagayan lawmaker Lara, kin

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Saturday said it had initiated a preliminary investigation of Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lasam Lara and members of his family over alleged financial interests in construction companies that bagged billions of pesos worth of government contracts.

In a statement, the Ombudsman said the Laras were being investigated for possible plunder and graft.

The disclosure marked another instance when the antigraft body, now headed by Jesus Crispin Remulla, drew public attention to an ongoing probe or complaint still far from being filed in court, which was not the norm during the time of his predecessors.

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READ: Cagayan Rep. Lara under probe for possible plunder

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Also covered by the investigation are Lara’s wife, Zarah Rose Lara, and their children, Joseph Joshua, Joseph Jeremy, Joseph Kyle, and Joseph II, as well as their daughter-in-law, Jessa Lara, the statement said.

According to the Ombudsman, Lara allegedly maintained financial interests in three construction companies that entered into contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) while he was still vice chair of the House committee on appropriations.

The companies were identified as JLL Pulsar Construction Corp., JDL5 Construction Corp., and Pulsar Construction Corp.

The Ombudsman said Lara’s failure to fully divest himself of his financial interests in the companies while serving as a member of Congress violated restrictions provided in the Constitution.

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AMLC report cited

It noted that under Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, “members of Congress are prohibited from having direct or indirect financial interests in government contracts during their term of office.”

Citing a field intelligence report from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the Ombudsman said the lawmaker allegedly received “more than P1.9 billion from relatives, affiliated entities and DPWH offices between 2019 and 2025.”

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It also alleged that Lara “received approximately P3.8 billion from the DPWH, affiliated construction companies, and joint ventures in connection with government infrastructure projects.”

“Together with his wife, Lara allegedly acquired additional financial interests amounting to approximately P6.1 billion linked to DPWH infrastructure contracts,” the Ombudsman said.

Identities ‘concealed’

Lara and several family members allegedly “concealed their identities as beneficial owners of construction firms involved in the government projects,” it added.

“Rep. Lara was said to have, in conspiracy with his family members, illegally amassed approximately P10.02 billion while holding public office,” it said.

However, the Ombudsman stressed that the allegations “remain subject to preliminary investigation,” during which the respondents “will have the opportunity to answer the complaints and present their defenses.”

“The preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant the filing of criminal charges before the appropriate court,” it said.

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The Inquirer sought Lara for comment but the congressmen has yet to respond as of press time. INQ