Lacson Confirms DOJ to Receive Computer Evidence in Bulacan Flood Control Probe

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson disclosed on Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will take possession of a desktop computer belonging to former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez. The device reportedly contains documents intended to substantiate Hernandez’s accusations against lawmakers allegedly implicated in irregularities surrounding flood control projects.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate blue ribbon committee, explained that additional documents from Hernandez are also set to be turned over to the DOJ to facilitate consolidated evidence handling.

He said in an impromptu interview, "Hernandez’s lawyers changed their minds yesterday regarding the computer and the other files we initially retrieved. [Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin] Remulla called the Senate President and we decided that the computer will be turned over to the DOJ instead of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)."

Affirming the DOJ's jurisdiction over the device, Lacson added, "That is his call because it’s his computer. We cannot tell him, ‘That should be ours.’"

Earlier, Hernandez’s counsel, Raymund Fortun, had declared their intention to submit the computer fully to the ICI to ensure impartiality. Previously, Lacson warned Hernandez that failure to surrender the computer to the blue ribbon committee could result in revocation of legislative immunity and exclusion from the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Hernandez had accused Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva of receiving kickbacks totaling at least 30 percent of nearly PHP 1 billion allocated to flood control initiatives in Bulacan. Both senators have firmly denied the allegations.

Additionally, Lacson indicated that the DOJ will determine whether dismissed Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara qualifies for inclusion in the WPP. Lacson recounted his conversation with Justice Secretary Remulla, who cited existing records supporting Alcantara’s testimony.

On Tuesday, Alcantara alleged collaboration with Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in channeling commissions from flood control projects to the camps of Senators Estrada and Villanueva, former Senator Bong Revilla Jr., Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy. On Wednesday, Alcantara, Hernandez, and former construction chief Jaypee Mendoza appeared before the ICI to testify.

Lacson expressed skepticism regarding former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s claim of ignorance about the alleged corruption and subpar flood control projects. He remarked, "He retired in 2010 after a long tenure moving up the ranks, so he knows what’s happening at the ground level. Then he served as secretary in 2022. To say he didn’t monitor these projects implies either complicity or incompetence."

During the blue ribbon committee’s Tuesday hearing, Bonoan stated he was surprised by revelations from whistleblowers suggesting that government contract bidding is often prearranged, with predetermined winning bidders.

The Senate’s blue ribbon committee is scheduled to continue its motu proprio investigation into the flood control anomalies on Thursday, September 25, at 9 a.m. When asked whether the inquiry might conclude after one or two more hearings, Lacson responded, "Let’s see."