The Office of the Ombudsman will conduct a preliminary investigation into Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Jojo Lara and several construction companies over a plunder complaint involving an alleged ₱1.9-billion fund transfer.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said investigators suspect that a supposed divestment did not actually take place, allowing payments to construction firms to allegedly end up in Lara’s private bank account.

“There was supposed to be a divestment, which we think did not really happen. The money paid to these construction companies still went to his private bank account of around P1.9 billion,” Remulla said.

The preliminary investigation will determine whether there is sufficient basis to pursue the complaint against Lara and the companies involved.