Ex-DPWH engineer submits evidence vs alleged corrupt lawmakers

Metro Manila, Philippines - Former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez has submitted a computer and documents, among other items, to back his claims that lawmakers were allegedly involved in irregular flood control projects, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Hernandez, detained in the Senate for supposedly lying, claimed Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva and former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy received kickbacks from flood control projects. The three have denied the accusation.

The former engineer of Bulacan’s first district was allowed to leave Senate premises on Saturday to gather evidence.

“These items are sealed for now. We will follow a procedure to preserve the chain of custody. We need to preserve the chain of custody so that if the evidence is vital to a case, it will not be compromised," Lacson, Senate blue ribbon committee chairman, said in a radio interview.

Should the evidence prove that there are kickbacks, Lacson said it will immediately be sent to the Malacañang-led Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

Lacson said resigned Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan should explain how over P600 million in cash were delivered by Syms Construction owner Sally Santos to the Bulacan first district engineering office this year.

The senator added that DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo should also expound why he was seen in a photo with Hernandez and other Bulacan first district engineers.

Bonoan and Bernardo may be invited to the next Senate blue ribbon committee hearing in the flood control scandal on Sept. 22.

Meanwhile, Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are set to meet with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday to discuss the possibility of some key personalities, including Hernandez and controversial contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, being under the Witness Protection Program.