‘P450-M kickback went to Pidal account’

The "Jose Pidal" account supposedly maintained by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was the recipient of a P450-million bribe in the anomalous construction of President Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. last year, Council of Philippine Affairs (COPA) secretary general Pastor Saycon revealed yesterday.

Saycon told The STAR that the plunder case involving PEA general manager Ernest Villareal and other officials in the anomaly was "downgraded" because of the absence of any proof that they amassed money from the supposedly overpriced construction of the road.

"The (P450 million) check is the missing link in the plunder case against Villareal and other PEA officials," Saycon said.

Contacted for comment, Villareal belied Saycon’s claim, calling it a "sheer fabrication and an outright lie."

He said Saycon is only aiming to "smear further the reputation" of President Arroyo’s husband.

In a statement, Villareal denied knowledge of the P450-million bank deposit which Saycon alleged to have come from JD Legaspi Construction Co.

Villareal said he will press charges against Saycon for what he called "malicious and false statement to the press."

Saycon, for his part, denied COPA is working in tandem with opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson against Mr. Arroyo.

In a privileged speech Monday, Lacson accused Mr. Arroyo of laundering more than P100 million, under the assumed name of Jose Pidal, through dummy bank accounts.

"We’re not supporting the expose of Lacson. We’re just supporting the veracity of an important document," Saycon said.

According to Saycon, he has proof that Villareal had deposited P450 million to the Jose Pidal account in UnionBank branch on Perea Street in Makati City, which Lacson earlier revealed was allegedly used by the First Gentleman in his money laundering.

Former PEA director Sulficio Tagud Jr., who blew the whistle in the scandal, said the Macapagal Boulevard was overpriced by P600 million.

Of the 5.1-km asphalt highway, Tagud’s allegation was particularly in reference to the 2.3-kilometer stretch of the road built by JD Legaspi Construction.

Villareal maintained his friendship with Mr. Arroyo but stressed he has "never assisted nor facilitated for myself or for others any money from JD Legaspi construction."

"I have never been to the Union Bank branch on Perea Street nor have I instructed anybody to transact any business, for me, with that branch," he said.

Villareal refused to comment on the merits of the case since it is still pending before the Sandiganbayan.

Saycon said an arraignment on the PEA case is expected to be held today.