Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada once again denied any involvement in the alleged corruption surrounding flood control projects.
This came after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) that the two senators be charged with plunder, bribery, and other corruption-related offenses for allegedly receiving benefits from questionable projects.
Villanueva maintained that Senate records would show he had opposed the flood control projects from the very beginning. He said he was among those who exposed and questioned these projects, many of which remain unimplemented to this day.
The senator added that the testimony of former DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara clearly stated that he had no involvement in the flood control projects.
Nevertheless, Villanueva said he would wait for the Ombudsman’s action and submit a formal response at the proper time to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Estrada asserted that he did not receive any funds related to the flood control projects.
He assured the public that he is ready to defend himself and go through the legal process to prove that he is telling the truth and has remained faithful to his duty as a public servant.
Estrada further emphasized that he will clear his name and is confident that, in due time, the truth will prevail.
