Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday filed a counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ), rejecting allegations that he received ₱150 million in kickbacks from infrastructure projects linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The complaint accused him of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification, and violations of procurement and anti-graft laws.
“Nandito tayo para ipakita ‘yung commitment natin sa due process at legal process. Kaya tayo nandito despite the fact na ‘yung paniniwala natin remains the same na ridiculous talaga ‘yung complaint,” Villanueva told reporters.
The case stemmed from the testimony of dismissed DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, who claimed the senator received 25% in kickbacks from multipurpose building projects. Alcantara alleged he personally delivered cash to a rest house in Bocaue, Bulacan, handing it to Villanueva’s supposed aide identified only as “Peng.”
Villanueva’s lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, dismissed the accusations as baseless, noting that both “Peng” and the senator’s chief of staff had executed affidavits denying any knowledge of Alcantara or the alleged transaction.
He also highlighted inconsistencies in the complaint, including unclear amounts and conflicting accounts of the supposed source of funds.
Villanueva maintained that the charges were unfounded and reiterated his commitment to due process.