By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – The plunder and graft complaint filed against Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., was grounded on the September 2025 Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), which strongly condemned corruption in government infrastructure and flood-control projects.
The complaint, brought by a group of Catholic priests, lawyers, and private citizens, links Momo and several others to over ₱1.4 billion in infrastructure projects allegedly funneled to Surigao La Suerte Corporation (SLSC) — a construction company reportedly connected to the congressman’s family.
The group stated that their legal action is in direct response to the CBCP’s Pastoral Letter dated September 8, 2025, titled “Beyond Survival: Rising Above the Floods of Corruption.” In it, the bishops urged citizens to go beyond merely condemning corruption and to pursue legal accountability against those suspected of misusing public funds.
Citing the letter’s “Call to Action,” the complainants stressed that public officials and private contractors alike must be held to the same standards — particularly when their roles and interests appear to intersect.
Fr. Raymond Montero Ambray, Director of Integral Ecology Ministry of Tandag Diocese, said that the priests decision to file the complaints was in line with the CBCP call to a action last September 21.
“The priests involved took it their moral obligation to push this legal action,” Ambray said in an interview with Inquirer.
One of the complainants, lawyer Mary Helen Polinar, said the case also cited the provincial government and other local government units of Surigao del Sur entered a contract with SLSC.
“We have evidence on this,” Zafra told Manila reporters on Friday when they formally filed their complaints at the Ombudsman.
The complainants argued that Momo’s case fits the very scenario described by the bishops. The Philippine Constitution (Section 14, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution) clearly prohibits lawmakers from having any financial interest in government contracts, whether directly or indirectly.
The complainants emphasized that such accountability is even more critical when elected officials appear to benefit from companies winning public infrastructure projects within their jurisdiction.
According to the complaint, SLSC secured multiple infrastructure contracts across the Caraga region during Momo’s time in public office.
While Momo has claimed he already divested from the company, records from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reportedly show that as of 2019, his wife and children still held shares in the firm.
The group further alleged that the company’s capitalization grew significantly around the time Momo took on a leadership role in Congress.
Former Cantilan Mayor Carla Lopez Pichay backed the complaint publicly, citing specific contracts and SEC documents. One example she presented involved an ₱18-million project — which, she said, was only a small part of the total value awarded to the firm. She argued that both the scale and timing of these contracts raise red flags that merit a deeper investigation.
Zafra also raised concern over Momo’s ongoing participation in national budget discussions, including his reported inclusion in the 2026 bicameral conference committee.
She noted that procurement documents and corporate records support the allegations submitted to the Ombudsman.
The complainants emphasized that their filing isn’t motivated by personal or political grudges, but is a response to the CBCP’s call for justice and institutional action.
They stressed the importance of criminal accountability while respecting due process and the rights of the accused.
Quoting the pastoral letter, the group highlighted that the responsibility for corruption doesn’t end with contractors. Lawmakers, district engineers, auditors, and political patrons may also be complicit in misusing public funds, they said.
The complaint was signed by several clergy and legal professionals, including Rev. Msgr. Florio R. Falcon, Rev. Msgr. Arturo P. Langit, Rev. Fr. Ritchel L. Espinola, Rev. Fr. Godofredo C. Quiazon Jr., Rev. Msgr. Jose P. Zafra III, Rev. Fr. Elvies A. Petros, Atty. Alexander T. Malaque, and Atty. Mary Helen P. Zafra.
Momo has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the allegations are politically motivated. He claims to have followed all required divestment and ethical rules.
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