Former DPWH Engineer Withdraws Claims Linking Senators to Flood Control Scam

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on irregularities in flood control projects, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez retracted previous allegations implicating six senators in a multi-billion-peso corruption scandal.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III expressed apprehension regarding the seemingly selective nature of the accusations, noting that only senators were repeatedly accused.

He remarked, "Only senators are being targeted. Why is that? I have to clarify because your lawyer mentioned you would name six senators. What is that about?"

Responding to Sotto's inquiry, Hernandez denied the involvement of senators, stating that the data recovered from his computer actually contained names of members of the House of Representatives.

He explained, "Your honor, what was mentioned probably referred to the contents of my computer. Actually, it’s congressmen who are listed there, not senators."

Senate President Sotto further sought confirmation, stating, "So that’s fake news? There were reports that you named senators. It’s actually congressmen in your computer?"

Hernandez affirmed this, saying, "Yes. The names in my computer are congressmen."

This clarification came amid scrutiny of alleged irregularities involving flood control projects, ensuring that the investigation maintains focus on accurate information regarding the involved parties.