NBI Recommends Charges Against Villanueva, Estrada, and Co Over Alleged Kickbacks

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended filing charges of indirect bribery and malversation against Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co following allegations of kickbacks tied to flood control projects.

Allegations from Former DPWH Engineer

The accusations stem from the sworn testimony of former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Alcantara claimed that lawmakers received between 25% to 30% of proposed budget insertions intended for flood control initiatives. He stated that while he had no direct dealings with some lawmakers, the alleged kickbacks were funneled through former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo starting in 2022.

Alcantara’s testimony included claims of systemic corruption, where funds earmarked for critical infrastructure were allegedly diverted for personal gain.

NBI and DOJ Action

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the NBI had endorsed Alcantara’s sworn statement as part of its complaint process. He explained that the bureau, upon initial investigation, found sufficient grounds to recommend prosecution.

“The NBI would be investigating it, and at the outset, they recommended the filing of charges already. We treated this already as a complaint with the NBI as the endorsing agency,” said Remulla.

Alongside the lawmakers, the NBI also recommended charges against Alcantara himself, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former Caloocan Second District Representative Mitch Lim Cajayon-Uy.

Asset Freeze Orders

Remulla also revealed that the Anti–Money Laundering Council (AMLC) had issued freeze orders on the bank accounts of those implicated by Alcantara. The move aims to prevent the possible movement or disposal of assets while investigations proceed.

Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is reviewing the case of Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana and his spouse, who is reportedly a contractor. Remulla clarified that this was mentioned only briefly in Alcantara’s testimony and remains under evaluation.

Lawmakers Respond

The implicated lawmakers have strongly denied the allegations.

Senator Joel Villanueva addressed the accusations directly in a Senate session. “I have nothing to hide and I welcome any inquiry that will bring out the truth,” he stated. Villanueva emphasized that Alcantara’s testimony showed he had not requested any flood control projects. Instead, he insisted that his requests were for multi-purpose buildings intended to benefit his constituents in Bulacan.

Representative Elizaldy Co also dismissed the allegations as “false and baseless,” adding that he reserves his right to formally respond before the proper forum.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, while implicated, has yet to issue an extensive statement but is expected to respond as the probe progresses.

Broader Context

The latest recommendations come amid the Philippine government’s wider scrutiny of alleged corruption within the DPWH and its infrastructure projects. Kickback schemes involving large-scale public works have long been a recurring issue, with Alcantara’s revelations renewing calls for stronger oversight and accountability measures.

By recommending charges against sitting senators and representatives, the NBI has elevated the scandal into a matter of national significance, highlighting how corruption allegations can reach the highest levels of government. The coming weeks are expected to bring further hearings and legal proceedings as investigators gather more evidence and the implicated officials defend themselves.