Ex-OPAV chief dragged into flood control kickbacks controversy

Local

CEBUANO businessman Terence Calatrava, who once headed the Cebu City-based Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), has been dragged into a Senate inquiry on alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.

On Monday, September 8, contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Sarah, told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that government officials demanded commissions of 10 to 25 percent from their firms between 2022 and 2025.

“Hindi po iaaward ang project kung hindi ka nagbigay,” Curlee said, adding that each payout was recorded in vouchers and a ledger now subpoenaed by the Senate.

Calatrava served as chief of the OPAV starting December 2022. He resigned last June after Malacañang announced a Cabinet reshuffle. In previous reports, it is said that he also chairs Tingog Partylist in the region.

His wife is the sister of Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, who is married to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

As of Monday afternoon, Calatrava has not issued any statement responding to the allegations raised at the Senate hearing.

The Discayas also implicated several members of Congress and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Among those named, Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, Quezon City Representative Arjo Atayde, Romblon Representative Eleandro Madrona, San Jose del Monte Representative Florida Robes, and Occidental Mindoro Representative Leody Tarriela denied involvement.

DPWH Bicol Regional Director Eduarte Virgilio and Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, who were present at the hearing, likewise rejected the couple’s claim.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Blue Ribbon chair, ordered the Discayas to submit their ledger and said he is coordinating with the Department of Justice on their possible application as state witnesses.

The couple asked the committee and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for protection.

“Napilitan kami na i-absorb ang kabawasan… Para makabawi, dinadamihan na lang namin ang partisipasyon sa mga projects,” Curlee told senators.(MyTVCebu)