DPWH Engineer Names Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in Flood Control Scam
BRICE HERNANDEZ – The DPWH Assistant District Engineer made a shocking statement during a House hearing, claiming that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva were involved in corruption related to flood control projects.
Hernandez, visibly concerned for his safety, asked lawmakers not to send him back to the Senate, saying he feared for his life. He revealed that while he was in detention, he decided to come forward with what he knew. Hernandez specifically named Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, alleging that Senator Estrada allocated ₱355 million in 2025 for projects in Bulacan, with 30% supposedly given as kickbacks to certain individuals.
However, this claim was directly contradicted by contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, who testified a day earlier at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. When asked by Senator Estrada himself if any senators were involved in soliciting money after government project bids were awarded, Discaya firmly answered, “Wala.”
This response prompted light-hearted remarks from Senate panel chair Rodante Marcoleta, joking that Estrada was now “safe” from allegations. Estrada, however, quickly expressed his discomfort with the remark.
During the same hearing, Discaya and his wife Sarah revealed the names of several lawmakers and DPWH officials who they said pressured them for payments in exchange for the smooth implementation of flood control projects. According to the couple, these officials demanded 10% to 25% of the project budget, threatening delays or even cancellations if they refused to comply.
The Discayas named numerous congressmen, including Arjo Atayde, Marcy Teodoro, Patrick Michael Vargas, Roman Romulo, Nicanor Briones, Florida Robes, Eleandro Madrona, and several others. They also claimed that House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co received the largest share — around 30% of the project funds. An additional 5% was allegedly given to Congressman Roman Romulo for project insertions.
The couple explained that they cooperated out of fear, as refusing to comply could lead to problems such as “mutual termination” of contracts or right-of-way issues that would completely halt their projects. Now, they are willing to serve as state witnesses to expose what they described as a deeply entrenched system of corruption within government infrastructure programs.