Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva personally filed his counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday in response to a malversation complaint linking him to allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed.
Martinez said Villanueva’s filing was meant to formally address the accusations before the DOJ begins its preliminary investigation.
“He filed his counter ahead of the (preliminary investigation) this Monday,” Martinez told reporters.
Villanueva is facing three separate complaints accusing him of involvement in “ghost” projects tied to Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., firms allegedly connected to disputed flood control contracts.
The senator had earlier requested an extension for one of the complaints, with January 26 set as the final day to submit his counter-affidavit. He previously filed a separate counter-affidavit addressing graft allegations, including claims of ₱150 million in kickbacks from one of the projects.
The controversy stems from accusations made in September 2025 by dismissed Public Works Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, who alleged that Villanueva funneled ₱600 million into questionable flood control works in Balagtas, Bulacan and took a 30% cut for himself.
The DOJ is expected to proceed with its preliminary investigation next week, with Villanueva’s counters now part of the official record.