Ex-DPWH Engineer Exposes Scheme Involving Joel Villanueva in ICI Report
Senator Joel Villanuez interpellates during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
MANILA — A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer claims to have personally brought P125-million meant for Senator Joel Villanueva to a rest house in Bocaue, Bulacan, according to a report by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The ICI released its interim report and recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman, outlining schemes allegedly involving several incumbent and former members of the House of Representatives and the Senate in obtaining bribes of unwarranted monetary benefits from contractors of flood control projects.
During the hearings, former Bulacan DPWH 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara appeared before the Commission and provided copies of his sworn affidavits. On September 29, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez and former construction chief Jaypee Mendoza reappeared before the ICI.
According to the ICI, the three former engineers testified about the process by which government funds allocated for flood control projects were pocketed by various government officials.
On October 8, 2025, ICIC said Hernandez and Mendoza executed a supplemental affidavit at the Department of Justice detailing the alleged involvement of public officials in different DPWH infrastructure projects.
Alcantara and Hernandez voluntarily answered the Commission's questions and provided details of their dealings with several lawmakers.
Alcantara testified that in 2022, Villanueva asked for a multipurpose building amounting to P1.5 billion, which was allowed but only for P600 million. Former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo and Alcantara were allegedly forced to make a way to appease Villanueva.
Alcantara told ICI that Villanueva was given projects under the 2023 unprogrammed allocations in the amount of P600 million, which were all flood control projects. Twenty-five percent of the amount was agreed to be given to the senator.
P125 million was brought personally by Alcantara to a rest house in Bgy. Igulot, Bocaue, Bulacan and was left with a certain "Peng" who allegedly works for Villanueva, with the instructions to hand the money to the senator.
Villanueva has repeatedly denied all allegations. In late September, he said he was "fully prepared to be investigated."
"I have nothing to hide and I welcome any inquiry that will bring out the truth," he said.
During the anniversary celebration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide earlier this month, Villanueva called the allegations a "set-up."
"Kaya ko pong tingnan ang bawat isa sa inyo dito mga kapwa ko JIL. Mata sa mata, wala tayong flood control. Hindi tayo sangkot sa katiwalian," he said.
Disappearing Messages
According to the ICI, Alcantara's statement was corroborated by Engr. Brice Hernandez.
Hernandez said Alcantara and Villanueva frequently communicate through messaging apps that feature disappearing messages.
The ICI report stated that Hernandez would often take pictures of the messages between Alcantara and Villanueva because the former was worried that he would not be able to read them.
"One particular exchange would reveal Sen. Villanueva asking for funds from the DPWH. Further, it would appear that Sen. Villanueva was mad that he was not initially given flood control projects. Conversations between Engr. Alcantara and Sen. Villanueva would likewise confirm the Six Hundred Million Pesos (PhP600,000,000.00) worth of flood control projects with Sen. Villanueva as the proponent," ICI's interim report said.
Alcantara also testified that sometime in 2024, he and Usec. Bernardo attended the budget hearing at the Senate. At the time, Alcantara said Bernardo asked him if he wanted more funding since a certain "SJE" still had an excess of P355 million.
Hernandez corroborated Alcantara's statement and said that sometime in 2025, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada coordinated with Alcantara and informed him that he has P355 million worth of funds for allocation to fund flood control projects.
According to the ICI report, former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co allegedly had suitcases of money delivered to a house he owned in a gated subdivision in Pasig City that served only as storage for cash.
Implicated Individuals
Aside from Co, Villanueva, and Estrada, among those implicated are former congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, ex-DPWH Usec. Robert Bernardo, and COA Commissioner Mario Lipana.
The ICI has referred its interim report and recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman.
