Jinggoy, Villanueva tagged in DPWH kickback scheme

Estrada, Villanueva deny axed engineer's allegations

- JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

After figuring prominently in the previous Senate hearing on anomalies in flood control projects, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva yesterday found themselves accused of raking in massive kickbacks from P955 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan.

Brice Ericson Hernandez, dismissed as assistant district engineer of the Department of Public Works and HighwaysBulacan first district, said that Estrada was the main proponent of funding for a total of P355 million in flood control projects in various parts of Hagonoy and Malolos in Bulacan.

On the other hand, Hernandez said Villanueva was the main proponent of funding for a total of P600 million in flood control projects in Balagtas and Bocaue, Bulacan.

The two senators belied Hernandez's accusations.

"The SOP for Senators Jinggoy (Estrada) and Villanueva is 30 percent for the P355-million and P600-million flood control and mitigating infrastructure with pumping stations, respectively," Hernandez said yester day at the second hearing of the infrastructure committee of the House of Representatives.

Before testifying, Hernandez requested the infra-comm chaired by Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon to keep him under House custody instead of returning him to the Senate.

Last night, Senate President Vicente Sotto III ordered Hernandez's transfer to the Philippine National Police custodial center to ensure his safety.

"I also fear for my life and my family because the people involved here are not just ordinary people. May I request that I will not be returned to the Senate. I need to have an assurance before I speak up," Hernandez, who was detained for contempt by the Senate on Monday, said during questioning by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin.

Hernandez also promised to submit a written declaration of his testimony to the committee.