Senator Lacson calls for evidence in the investigation of flood control projects
The Senate, in conjunction with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), is probing allegations of kickbacks from flood control projects involving Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson is heading the Blue Ribbon Committee in the investigation. He has summoned former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez to present documents supporting his testimony, alleging that the senators received a 30 percent commission in the projects.
Hernandez has been granted temporary leave from Senate custody to retrieve documents and a computer that he believes will substantiate his claims. These items are scheduled to be reviewed by the Senate in the next hearing.
Estrada, however, is confident in the ICI's investigation to clear his name, asserting that Hernandez will be exposed as an unreliable witness. Villanueva, too, maintains his innocence, and during a heated hearing, he mounted an emotional defense, claiming that the allegations are attempts to tarnish his reputation and that of his family and church community.
The allegations against Villanueva suggest that he sought up to PHP1.5 billion, but was allotted only PHP600 million. According to unnamed sources, this discrepancy has caused friction within the committee. When questioned about the matter, Villanueva's associate, Alcantara, denied receiving such requests.
Lacson has confirmed budget allocations consistent with Hernandez's claims: PHP600 million in 2023 flood control projects allegedly linked to Villanueva, and PHP355 million in the 2025 budget tied to Estrada. He has also prepared a request for Senate President Vicente Sotto III to allow Hernandez to temporarily leave the Senate to retrieve alleged documents.
The next hearing will determine if the committee can recommend charges to the ICI or the Ombudsman. As the investigation continues, both senators have pledged to cooperate fully with the Senate and the ICI to clear their names.
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