Sen. Estrada denies kickback allegations linked to flood control projects

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has once again denied allegations that he received kickbacks in connection with the purported mismanagement of funds for flood control projects, following the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)’s recommendation to file cases.

Estrada said he never received any funds intended for flood control projects and asserted that he can prove this in court.

“Wala akong tinanggap na anumang pondong nakalaan para sa mga flood control projects, at kaya kong patunayan ito sa hukuman. Ang mga paratang laban sa akin ay pawang hearsay o batay lamang sa sabi-sabi (I have not received any funds allocated for flood control projects, and I can prove this in court. The allegations against me are purely hearsay or based solely on rumors),” he said in a statement.

The senator emphasized his readiness to defend himself through legal processes “to demonstrate that he has remained honest and committed to his duties as a public servant.”

“Lilinisin ko ang aking pangalan, at buo ang aking tiwala na sa tamang panahon, mananaig ang katotohanan (I will clear my name, and I have full confidence that in due time, the truth will prevail),” Estrada said.

He added that the ICI’s recommendation does not weaken his resolve to prove his innocence.

“I welcome every opportunity to clear my name before the proper forum. Justice must be served not through speculation, but through truth and due process,” he stressed.

On Wednesday, the ICI recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal and administrative cases be filed against Estrada, Senator Joel Villanueva, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and other individuals linked to suspected “ghost” flood-control projects.

ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes said the commission included the six officials in its referral after reviewing sworn affidavits and supporting evidence provided by former DPWH–Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, along with former DPWH–Bulacan Assistant District Engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

“The commission uncovered an alleged systematic ‘kickback scheme’ in which legislators, acting as project proponents, inserted flood-control projects into the National Expenditure Program, House General Appropriations Bill, and General Appropriations Act in exchange for commissions ranging from 20% to 30% of project costs,” Reyes said.

“Payments were reportedly coursed through DPWH engineers and cooperating contractors to secure project awards and facilitate releases,” he noted.

Also named in the recommendation were Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, former Caloocan 2nd District Representative Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

“With this filing, we remain true to our commitment to the Filipino people. No one will be spared in this fight against corruption,” Reyes said.

The ICI said the alleged involvement of these individuals may constitute violations of Articles 210 to 212 of the Revised Penal Code, which cover bribery and corruption of public officials; Sections 3(b) and 3(c) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7080, or the Plunder Law, given the scale of the funds in question.