OCCIDENTAL Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela on Tuesday denounced as "harassment" the complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
"Like I have said at the ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) when I voluntarily faced it on November 26, 2025, my primary obligation as a lawmaker is to help by passing laws. I am not a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the Bicameral Conference Committee,” Tarriela said in a statement.
"I do not meddle in the implementation of projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways. I do not join procurement and biddings. I do not order anyone to meddle in these things," he said, adding that he was not a contractor.
The complaint against the lawmaker was filed by Radamalyn Fernando Cardoza, who claimed that the complaint was 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," Cardoza said.
Tarriela said that the case was filed after Cardoza requested copies of public documents at the DPWH office in Mindoro. However, his request was not acted upon.
“How can it be my fault if his request was not granted? And what is the basis of his complaint?” the lawmaker said.
Tarriela has denied Pacifico Discaya's statements before the Senate that he received money from the latter.
Tarriela said that his lawyers are studying what case can be filed against Cardoza.