Tarlac solon, vice mayor face graft, plunder raps

DPWH engineer also charged over P597-M infra projects

- CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

Criminal charges were filed on Wednesday, Oct. 22, against Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel N. Rivera and his wife, Concepcion town Vice Mayor Evelyn A. Rivera, for the alleged questionable P597 million infrastructure projects awarded to their company from 2018 to 2024.

In the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), the spouses Rivera were charged with violations of Republic Act No. 7080, the plunder law, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also charged was Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Neil Farala.

The Riveras and Farala could not be contacted for comment as of posting time.

The charges were filed by Pyra Nucum Lucas, founder of the United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption (UPACC), and Jan Job Elumbaring.

The respondents were also charged administratively with Abuse of Authority, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty.

The complainants told the OMB that Noel Rivera was barangay chairman in Barangay San Vicente, Concepcion in Tarlac from 2010 to 2013 and from 2018 to 2022, and served as president of the League of Barangays of the Philippines. Thereafter, Noel Rivera was elected member of the House of Representatives.

They said that Noel's wife, Evelyn, is also a politician as she is currently the vice mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac as well as president of the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines.

They also said that Noel Rivera is the chief executive officer, general manager and president of Tarlac 3G Construction and Development Corporation, while his wife is an incorporator of the company.

The complainants alleged that the couple amassed unexplained wealth because of several transactions entered into by their company with the DPWH.