Complaints filed before Ombudsman vs. Sual mayor, ex-Pangasinan solon

Complaints were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Sual, Pangasinan mayor Liseldo Calugay and former Pangasinan 4th district representative Christopher De Venecia over P286 million worth of flood control projects in the town that are deemed useless. 

According to the report of Saleema Refran on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the complaints were filed by local journalist and tricycle driver association leader Jaime Aquino. 

He accused Calugay, his wife, and De Venecia of plunder, malversation of public funds, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and dishonesty. 

“Sabi ng DPWH officials, ‘yung mga nakausap namin sa Region 1, ay yung kumokolekta daw, sabi nila, si Congressman De Venecia, si Christopher, ng 20% sa lahat ng mga kontratista, mga kontrata, mga iba pang kwan doon, hindi lang sa flood control,” said Aquino. 

The Bet Construction and Supply is the one listed behind the project in Sto. Tomas Casibong, which is worth over P48 million.

“Ang una kasi ang may-ari talaga ‘yan si Liseldo Calugay. Siya talagang may-ari ng construction firm. Ngayon, nung nag-asawa na siya kay Garly ay siyempre siya na ang nagmamando ngayon,” said Aquino. 

Calugay was once invited to a Senate hearing regarding POGOs due to his alleged connection to former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.

In addition to the local officials already facing complaints, the Ombudsman also received complaints against various Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 

There were also complaints against several private firms involved in the projects: Zota Trading and Construction, the combined Joint Venture of Silverwolves Construction and Lux Dragon Construction, and the private contractor allegedly linked to De Venecia.

The Office of the Ombudsman will evaluate the complaint first. 

GMA Integrated News is still trying to get the side of those involved in the complaint.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News