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'I will never betray my principle': Villanueva denies receiving kickbacks from flood control projects
Senator Joel Villanueva categorically denied accusations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, stating he has never had any such projects and possesses "receipts" to verify his claims.
Villanueva expressed surprise at being implicated alongside Senator Jinggoy Estrada during a House of Representatives hearing, suggesting the accusation is a "demolition job."
He emphasized his adherence to his principles and his commitment to protecting his name.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez accused Villanueva and Estrada of receiving kickbacks, presenting photos of alleged text messages between a "Sen. Joel" and a former DPWH district engineer as evidence.
DPWH engineer Jaypee Mendoza claimed the messages, captured in October 2023, showed Villanueva requesting flood control projects.
In his defense, Villanueva presented a video of himself questioning failed flood control projects in Bulacan two years prior.
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Former DPWH assistant engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez accused Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva of involvement in anomalous flood control projects, alleging they received 30% kickbacks.
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Senator Jinggoy Estrada denied allegations of receiving kickbacks for flood control projects, calling accuser Brice Hernandez a "shameless liar" and vowing not to be silenced.
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Senator Jinggoy Estrada vehemently denied allegations of involvement in anomalous flood control projects, challenging a former DPWH official to a lie detector test.
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Contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II implicated several congressmen and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in an alleged bribery scheme.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into potential corruption within flood control projects, following reports of substandard and "ghost" projects and massive floods in July.
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