ON COMPLAINT FILED BEFORE OMBUDSMAN

FORMER Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia firmly dismissed recent allegations concerning purported “ghost flood control projects” in Pangasinan’s Fourth District, where he served three consecutive terms, labeling these claims as “completely false and unfounded.”

De Venecia denied accusations of misconduct, plunder, and malversation of public funds supposedly filed against him and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 1 by one Jaime Aquino before the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City.

“Every project initiated during my tenure was thoroughly documented, executed correctly, and delivered to the communities they were designed to benefit,” de Venecia asserted.

He noted that the complaints stem from Aquino, whom he characterized as having a documented history of filing unfounded and malicious claims against public officials.

Aquino, who claims to be the president of the Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers of Pangasinan, previously worked as a correspondent for the Manila Times but was terminated due to allegations of involvement in dubious activities, including the submission of baseless accusations against sitting officials.

Among those targeted by Aquino’s unfounded claims were then Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator Raul Lambino and his wife, former Mangaldan Mayor Marilyn Lambino.

A resident of Mapandan, Aquino ran unsuccessfully for mayor in the last election, losing by a significant margin to the incumbent. Notably, Mapandan falls outside the jurisdiction of Pangasinan’s Fourth District.

De Venecia also pointed out that Aquino has been permanently expelled from the National Press Club of the Philippines for serious breaches of journalistic ethics, casting doubt on the credibility and motives behind his latest complaint.

“Alarmingly, the complainants themselves acknowledge their lack of evidence and are asking the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct further investigations,” he remarked, implying that the case was filed “without any solid basis.”

“While I am prepared to provide all necessary documentation to validate the legitimacy and execution of each project, I am also considering all legal avenues to hold those who spread false and malicious allegations accountable, including both civil and criminal actions,” de Venecia conveyed to reporters.

Emphasizing that public trust has always guided his actions, de Venecia vowed not to let unfounded accusations from discredited sources divert focus from serving the public good. (Leonardo Micua)