Villanueva, Estrada Deny Involvement in Flood Scandal

Senators Deny Involvement in Flood Control Project Anomalies

Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada have publicly stated their readiness to demonstrate that they had no involvement in the irregularities surrounding flood control projects. This comes after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended to the Ombudsman that charges of plunder, bribery, and corruption be filed against them.

In a message sent through Viber to reporters, Villanueva mentioned that his legal team will examine the basis for his inclusion in the ICI’s referral. He also expressed that he will await the Office of the Ombudsman's actions before filing a response.

“I have always been against flood control projects from the beginning. I was the one who exposed and questioned these projects that have not been implemented,” he said.

He added, “All of this will prove my innocence at the proper time.”

Estrada, on the other hand, denied any receipt of funds related to flood control projects.

“I did not accept any funds allocated for flood control projects, and I can prove this in court. The allegations against me are all based on hearsay,” he said in a separate statement.

“I will clear my name, and I have full confidence that in due time, the truth will prevail,” he continued.

Estrada emphasized that the ICI’s recommendation does not deter him from proving that he has done nothing wrong.

In addition to the two senators, the Palace-created ICI also suggested filing complaints against former representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon, Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

According to ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., the scheme begins with a proponent, either a Senate or House of Representatives member, who informs Engineer Henry Alcantara about a budget allocated for an infrastructure project.

“Additionally, the scheme shall always involve flood control projects because the kickback is 25% to 30%, higher than the kickback for other projects which is only at 10%,” he added.

It was former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez who first claimed that Villanueva and Estrada received at least 30% in kickbacks from nearly P1 billion worth of flood control projects in the Bulacan province.

Dismissed Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara also admitted that he worked with Bernardo in giving commissions off flood control projects to the camps of Villanueva, Estrada, as well as Co, Cajayon, and former senator Bong Revilla, Jr.