SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 24 Sept) — Questions are mounting over whether Rep. Romeo Momo (Surigao del Sur, 1st District) has a conflict of interest as a legislator overseeing the government’s public works budget while his family’s construction firm, Surigao La Suerte Corp., repeatedly secures multimillion-peso projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Former Cantilan mayor Carla Lopez-Pichay and former Negros Oriental representative Jacinto Paras have called for government watchdogs to probe Momo’s ties to the company, owned by his son Ruel and managed by another sibling, Rommel. Pichay emphasized the ethical and legal concerns, stating that Momo’s influence over public infrastructure while his family benefits from contracts raises serious questions. Paras echoed this, citing constitutional prohibitions against such conflicts. A viral post alleging Momo’s involvement with a private aircraft sparked backlash, with Momo dismissing it as “fake news” and accusing Pichay of operating a dummy account, which she vehemently denied. The rivalry between the Momo and Pichay families dates back to the 2022 elections. Momo, who chairs the House Committee on Public Works and co-chairs the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, denied any wrongdoing, asserting he has no involvement in the corporation and that its projects are not in his district. He also refuted allegations of funneling ₱1.1 billion in contracts to the firm, attributing them to the 2nd District under former Rep. Johnny Pimentel. However, a Bilyonaryo News Channel report revealed Surigao La Suerte Corp. secured 31 DPWH projects worth ₱1.1 billion from 2017 to 2024. Pichay presented evidence of the firm’s contracts in Momo’s district, including a July 2024 notice for fuel supply. She urged oversight bodies to investigate all DPWH contracts awarded to Momo’s family during his tenure, emphasizing that public office is a public trust. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)
