GMA News
Joel Villanueva shows how to fabricate photos, alter metadata in Senate hearing
Senator Joel Villanueva questioned the authenticity of photos presented by former DPWH officials linking him to flood control projects, stating they can be easily manipulated.
During a Senate hearing, Villanueva demonstrated how quickly photos and their metadata could be fabricated, altering the date and registered name in a mobile number to create a false narrative.
Villanueva emphasized that relying solely on pictures allows for baseless claims, citing his 20-second demonstration as proof of concept.
The controversy stems from claims by former DPWH officials Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, who accused Villanueva and Senator Jinggoy Estrada of receiving kickbacks.
Specifically, Mendoza claimed Villanueva requested a P1.5 billion budget for a multi-purpose building from former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara, which was reportedly reduced to P600 million by former Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Topics in this story
Explore more stories about these topics.
🤖
This story was generated by AI to help you understand the key points. For more detailed coverage, please see the news articles from trusted media outlets below.
News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee cited dismissed DPWH-Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara, DPWH assistant district engineer Jaypee Mendoza, and contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya in contempt for allegedly lying during the investigation of anomalous flood control projects.
+2
Read more →
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has flagged approximately ₱1.52 billion in potentially anomalous flood control projects, involving eight construction firms linked to the Discaya family.
+3
Read more →
Sally Santos, owner of SYMS Construction Trading, was granted physical protection by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee amidst her testimony on alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Read more →
Vice President Sara Duterte urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to address alleged anomalies in flood control projects and suggested removing the Speaker, fixing the budget, and conducting lifestyle checks on congressmen and their staff.
+3
Read more →
WJ Construction owner Mina Jose confirmed visiting Senator Erwin Tulfo's office on August 19, 2025, for an ocular inspection and proposed refurbishment of his veranda, as recommended by Tulfo's staff.
Read more →