Former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez tagged senators Estrada and Villanueva in alleged flood control anomalies

Former Bulacan District Engineer for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Brice Ericson Hernandez has accused Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva with being complicit in irregularities in flood control initiatives.

According to Hernandez, Estrada is accused of directing P355 million worth of initiatives to Malolos and Hagonoy for 2025, with a 30% kickback or "SOP." Under the direction of former district engineer Henry Alcantara, he named Christian Santiago and Andrei Balatbat, two DPWH drivers, as Estrada's point men.

Meanwhile, In 2023, Hernandez stated that Senator Villanueva approved P600 million worth of initiatives in Balagtas, Bulacan, also with a 30% reduction. According to him, Jaypee Mendoza, the head of the building section, and Alcantara brought the money to Villanueva's home in Bocaue. Alcantara functioned as the "chief implementor," collecting a 3% commission for himself and directing engineers to collect an additional 2% finder's fee from contractors. These assertions were refuted by Alcantara, who insisted that he had never given any politician money directly.

Hernandez expressed his concern for the safety of himself and his family at the House Committee on Public Works hearing on Tuesday, September 9, naming the influence of those involved. "I'm also frightened for my life and my family because the individuals involved here are not to be taken lightly," he pleaded. The committee should not send him back to the Senate, where he had previously been held after being held in contempt.

However, he was assured of protection by Committee Vice Chair Alfredo "Pido" Garbin Jr., but the ex-engineer insisted on assurances before divulging more information. He also stated that prior assertions made by other authorities to the effect that he was already "safe" were false.

The accusations are a result of an ongoing congressional investigation into alleged irregularities in DPWH flood control initiatives in Bulacan. Contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya appeared before the Senate on Monday, September 8, and implicated a number of legislators and DPWH employees in kickbacks. In contrast to Hernandez's statement, they asserted that no senator was involved.

The House panel is currently collaborating with the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to maintain Hernandez in the House's custody while the investigation goes on.