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MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Bong Revilla and incumbent Sen. Joel Villanueva filed separate counter-affidavits before the Department of Justice on Monday, January 5, in response to a complaint alleging their involvement in anomalous construction projects in Bulacan.
Both lawmakers denied the allegations.
Revilla, through his lawyer Francesca Señga, described the accusations against him as "hearsay," arguing that they were based on what she called "incredible, unbelievable, and unreliable" sources.
"A charge against an individual on the mere say-so of an unreliable source. In this case, unreliable and unbelievable witnesses," Señga said.
She added that such complaints are often used to harass or disturb individuals.
"Sa totoo lang, ‘yung mga ganitong complaint ayon sa batas, at sa rules ng evidence, hindi ito dapat paniwaalan, hindi ito dapat pakinggan. Dahil ito ay walang bigat, at walang halaga," Señga said.
(In truth, according to the law and the rules of evidence, these kinds of complaints should not be believed or given any attention because they carry no weight and have no value.)
Revilla had earlier filed a counter-affidavit on December 11.
Villanueva said his counter-affidavit contains "a comprehensive factual and legal refutation of the accusations against him," supported by sworn affidavits, official records, and documentary evidence.
"The Counter-Affidavit clearly establishes that there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that Senator Villanueva received any amount of money from flood control projects, or any other government project, allegedly given by Engr. Henry C. Alcantara, Engr. Jaypee D. Mendoza, Engr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, or anyone else alleged to have given him money, whether directly or through any intermediary," Villanueva’s camp said in a statement.
What the DOJ probe covers
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the preliminary investigation covers cases involving WAWAO Builders or Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. for projects in Bulacan that were reported as "100% completed" but were either grossly deficient or completely non-existent.
The complaints include allegations of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Martinez clarified that the cases are separate from five earlier complaints involving SYMS Construction Trading.
Those initial cases, he said, have already been referred to the Office of the Ombudsman.
