Villanueva denies flood control allegations, files counter-affidavit before DOJ

Joel Villanueva on Monday filed a counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice, denying allegations linking him to alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

Atty. Ramon Esguerra, Villanueva’s counsel, said the counter-affidavit directly addresses the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation Public Works and Bid Rigging Task Force.

The submission includes sworn affidavits, official records, and other documentary evidence aimed at showing that the allegations against the senator lack both factual and legal basis.

“The counter-affidavit clearly establishes that there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that Senator Villanueva received any amount of money from flood control projects, or any other government project, adding the claims purportedly involving Engr. Henry Alcantara, Engr. Jaypee Mendoza, Engr. Brice Ericson Hernandez, or any other individual are unsubstantiated,” Esguerra said.

The filing also cited earlier testimony by Alcantara before the House Blue Ribbon Committee, where he stated under oath that Villanueva did not request money, projects, or any percentage from flood control initiatives.

Esguerra described the complaint as “full of fatal flaws and inconsistencies,” noting that it failed to specify any amount allegedly received by the senator.

According to the defense, affidavits attached to the complaint contain conflicting accounts and do not align with the allegations raised. These inconsistencies include the supposed source of funds—whether from the General Appropriations Act or unprogrammed funds—and the alleged method of delivery.

Villanueva’s legal team also raised procedural concerns, saying the copy of the complaint provided to the senator was incomplete, with several pages and annexes missing.

To address the issue, the defense filed a Motion for Production of Evidence to protect Villanueva’s right to due process.

The counter-affidavit was submitted ad cautelam, or as a precaution, without prejudice to the filing of a supplemental submission should the missing documents later be produced.

The senator’s legal team said the counter-affidavit serves as a comprehensive and evidence-backed response to the NBI complaint, reiterating that the charges are unfounded.