MANILA — An old photo of Senator Joel Villanueva and former district engineer Henry Alcantara sharing a boat ride has resurfaced. It is now being used to implicate the senator in the flood control scam. But what is it really?

The image, taken on November 24, 2021, and still visible on Villanueva’s Instagram account, shows the senator alongside Henry Alcantara, then Bulacan district engineer. Villanueva, who hails from Bulacan, said the photograph was from an official inspection of local infrastructure projects.

The project is a fulfillment of the vision and initiatives of the late Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva, which is why Senator Joel Villanueva dedicated it in her honor. The inspection took place on November 24, 2021, which coincides with the birthday of Mayor Joni, who passed away on May 28, 2020.

“On this very special day of Mayor Joni, tuloy-tuloy po ang diwa ng paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Bocaue. Ininspeksyon, binisita at pinasinayaan po natin ang three pumping stations along Bocaue River at ang matatapos nang iconic bridge ng Bocaue,” the post reads.

Pumping stations help prevent flooding by actively removing excess water from low-lying areas, especially during heavy rainfall or rising river levels.

In a recent interview, the senator told reporters that photographs and videos prove nothing, and said Alcantara had been pictured with “many other politicians.”

As district engineer of Bulacan, Henry Alcantara was responsible for inspecting infrastructure projects in the province.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez accused Villanueva and fellow Senator Jinggoy Estrada of involvement in flood control projects. Hernandez described Alcantara as the “chief implementer” who allegedly liaised with politicians.

Villanueva had already denied the accusation in a Senate session.

“Wala po ako kailanman naging flood control project. Hindi ko po sasabihin na ‘I categorically deny this accusation’ dahil po may resibo po tayo. Meron pong pwedeng iberipika bakit po ito nangyayari,” the senator said.

“I will never betray my principle, I will never ever destroy the name that was given to me by my parents,” Villanueva stressed.

Alcantara, through his legal counsel, has also denied the allegations. His camp vowed to contest every accusation and cooperate fully with the investigation.

📷 Joel Villanueva IG