Graft raps filed vs Mindoro lawmaker

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March 12, 2026 | 12:00am

Over anomalous flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines — A graft complaint has been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Rep. Leody Tarriela of the lone district of Occidental Mindoro for allegedly receiving kickbacks from contractors of anomalous projects inplemented in the province.

The complainant, Radamalyn Cardoza, accused Tarriela of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, citing testimonies of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya during a hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee last year.

The Discayas reportedly mentioned Tarriela as one of those who received kickbacks from the flood control scam.

“Based on publicly accessible accounts of the hearing, the contractors asserted that the disputed commissions were characterized as a percentage of the overall contract value and were allegedly imposed to ensure the continuity or unimpeded processing of projects, even as the authority to implement such projects lies with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” Cardoza said in the complaint.

After Tarriela denied the allegations, Cardoza said he made an “effort to verify matters of public concern” by conducting his own research on infrastructure projects in Occidental Mindoro.

Cardoza claimed he found 33 infrastructure projects amounting to P3.2 billion, which may be anomalous.

Of the 33 projects, six each were in San Jose and Rizal towns involving P270 million and P990 million, respectively; eight in Abra de Ilog worth P812 million, and 11 in Sablayan worth P965.9 million.

Cardoza said he asked for copies of public documents from the DPWH-Occidental Mindoro District Office, but his request was ignored.

“The complaint is submitted in good faith, with full regard for the constitutional rights of the respondent and the presumption of innocence. It is not intended to harass, malign, or prejudice any party, but solely to seek a lawful determination as to whether probable cause exists,” the complaint read.

In a statement, Tarriela described the complaint as “harassment,” noting that he is neither a contractor nor involved in the budget-making processes.

He said he has informed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure that he is not involved in discussions of the House committee on appropriations or the bicameral conference committee, which crafted the country’s annual budget. – Delon Porcalla