MANILA — Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva have denied any involvement in alleged kickback operations following the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman to file criminal and administrative charges against them.

Estrada, who has previously faced graft charges, dismissed the allegations as baseless.

“The allegations against me are all hearsay,” Estrada said in Filipino. “I am ready to defend myself and go through any legal process to prove that I am telling the truth and remaining true to my duty as a public servant. I will clear my name, and I have full confidence that, in due course, the truth will prevail.”

Villanueva likewise maintained his innocence, saying he would await the Ombudsman’s formal action before responding.

“We will wait for the action of the Ombudsman and file our answer,” he said in a statement, adding that his legal team would “study the basis of my inclusion in the ICI’s referral.”

The senator also pointed out that he has long opposed the flood control projects cited in the ICI complaint.

“Records of the Senate will show that I have been against flood control projects from the very beginning. I was the one who exposed and questioned these flood control projects that have not been implemented,” Villanueva said. “(Engineer Henry) Alcantara also consistently testified that I know nothing about flood control projects. All these, at the proper time, will prove my innocence.”

In its report released Wednesday, the ICI urged the Ombudsman to file charges against Senators Villanueva and Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, former Caloocan Representative Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

The ICI said its findings were based on affidavits and corroborating evidence submitted by dismissed DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee D. Mendoza. The engineers alleged a systematic scheme in which lawmakers and officials received 20% to 30% commissions from flood control projects in exchange for ensuring their inclusion in the national budget.

According to the commission, these actions may constitute violations of Articles 210–212 of the Revised Penal Code on bribery, Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 7080 or the Plunder Law, given the magnitude of public funds involved.

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

📷 Jinggoy Estrada FB, Joel Villanueva FB