Officials Confirm No Lobbying for Flood Control Projects
During a Senate hearing, past and present public works officials confirmed that Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva never approached their offices to lobby for flood control projects in his home province of Bulacan. This key clarification came amid scrutiny over flood control initiatives in the area, where Bulacan ranked highest in the number of such projects, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) data previously disclosed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Villanueva himself questioned the officials, asking, “Categorically, may I ask: Was there ever a time in my life — not even when I was a congressman, and now as a senator — that I ever lobbied you for anything at all, whether it was a flood control project, a contractor, or anything else in my public service career?” He added in Filipino, “Was there ever a time I approached you or told you what should be done, claiming that I was an expert? Could you please state it just for the record?”
DPWH Leaders Deny Any Direct Appeals from Villanueva
Responding to the senator’s question, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said, “I don’t recall anything that came from you to propose any flood control projects.” Regional Director Roseller Tolentino echoed this statement, confirming no lobbying efforts were made by Villanueva regarding these projects.
Furthermore, Sen. Mark Villar, who previously served as DPWH secretary, intervened to support Villanueva’s claims. “I’d also like to make the same statement. Sen. Joel never approached me for anything like that…” he said, reinforcing that no special requests or project endorsements were made by the senator during his tenure.
Villanueva Expresses Surprise Over Project Contractors
Villanueva emphasized that he does not personally know any contractors in Bulacan. He expressed surprise at the numerous projects awarded to contractors in his province. The senator also raised concerns about the possibility of “ghost projects” — projects that reportedly exist only on paper — being counted among flood control works in some Bulacan districts.
“And now, there’s even a possibility that ghost projects exist,” Villanueva remarked, referencing earlier discussions in the hearing. He added a strong statement, saying, “I hope that if the death penalty is ever reinstated, they would be the first to face it, Senator Bato [Dela Rosa],” addressing Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who has been advocating for the death penalty’s return.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Probes Further
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues its investigation into flood control projects in Bulacan to ensure transparency and accountability. Community members and officials alike have expressed interest in uncovering the truth behind the allocation and execution of these initiatives, especially amid allegations of irregularities.
As the inquiry unfolds, Villanueva’s clear stance against lobbying and his call for justice highlight the ongoing efforts to safeguard public funds and maintain integrity in infrastructure development.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
