Former Pampanga Lawmaker Denies Awareness of Ombudsman Investigation

Former Pampanga 3rd district Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. addressed recent reports of an investigation led by the Office of the Ombudsman, suggesting that the matter might concern a "recycled subject." In a statement issued to reporters on Thursday afternoon, November 20, Gonzales emphasized that he was unaware of any ongoing formal inquiry against him.

"While I welcome any inquiry on the matter, I am not aware of an ongoing Ombudsman formal investigation against me on prohibited interest," he stated.

Gonzales recalled that a similar case involving the same set of infrastructure projects had previously been dismissed in 2023 due to lack of merit. "It appears to be a rehashed and recycled subject, if any," he added.

The former lawmaker, who also served as House senior deputy speaker during the 19th Congress, responded to statements from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla earlier Thursday. Remulla had indicated that Gonzales was under investigation for alleged involvement in P1.6 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure contracts.

These contracts were reportedly granted to AG Gonzales Jr. Construction & Trading Co. Inc., a company allegedly operated by relatives of Gonzales. The investigation focuses on possible prohibited interests connected to these projects.