Senator Estrada Denies Any Involvement in Flood Control Project Kickback Allegations

Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada’s camp reaffirmed on Monday, September 22, their confidence that no evidence connects him to alleged kickbacks related to flood control projects. This statement follows reports that former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez recovered documents and digital files purportedly supporting accusations against several lawmakers.

Hernandez, who had been cited for contempt, previously accused Estrada and Senator Joel Villanueva of involvement in irregularities tied to flood control efforts. He claimed that Estrada inserted flood control projects worth P355 million into the General Appropriations Act, while Villanueva allocated P600 million for similar work in Bulacan’s first district, both allegedly in exchange for a 30 percent kickback.

Estrada’s spokesperson, lawyer Bianca Soriano, emphasized the senator’s consistent denial of all such allegations, stating, "For now, I can share that Senator Estrada has always been firm and consistent in denying these allegations, and we remain confident that no evidence exists linking him to any supposed kickbacks in flood control projects."

Furthermore, Estrada has no plans to recuse himself from the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation. Soriano noted, "There is no valid ground nor sound reason for Senator Estrada to inhibit from the Blue Ribbon Committee. He has consistently denied the baseless allegations against him and remains committed to performing his duties with impartiality and integrity."