Jinggoy Estrada Denies DPWH Engineer’s Corruption Claim
JINGGOY ESTRADA – The senator strongly denied allegations made by DPWH Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, who claimed during a House hearing that Estrada was involved in corruption related to flood control projects. Angered by the accusation, Estrada challenged Hernandez to a public lie detector test, saying it would reveal who was truly telling the truth.
“I categorically and vehemently deny the claims made by Brice Hernandez,” Estrada declared. “Talk is cheap handa akong patunayan na pawang mga kasinungalingan ang sinasabi nya tungkol sa akin.” Estrada emphasized that he was willing to take the test to clear his name and show the public that Hernandez’s statements were lies.
The controversy erupted when Hernandez, speaking at a House hearing, dropped a bombshell by naming Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva as being allegedly involved in a kickback scheme tied to government flood control projects. Hernandez alleged that Estrada allocated ₱355 million in 2025 for projects in Bulacan, with 30% supposedly set aside as kickbacks.
Visibly concerned for his safety, Hernandez pleaded with lawmakers not to send him back to the Senate, expressing fear for his life. He said that while in detention, he decided it was time to come forward and expose the irregularities he knew about.
However, a day before Hernandez’s testimony, contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II gave a contradictory account during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. When asked directly by Estrada if any senators solicited money after project bids were awarded, Discaya firmly answered, “None.” This response caused a stir, prompting Senate panel chair Rodante Marcoleta to joke that Estrada was now “safe” from allegations. Estrada, however, quickly made it clear that he did not find the remark amusing.
Discaya and his wife, Sarah, went on to name several congressmen and DPWH officials who they claimed pressured them to give 10% to 25% of project funds to ensure smooth project implementation. They alleged that House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co received the largest share — about 30%, while an additional 5% was allegedly directed to Congressman Roman Romulo for project insertions.