Manila: Dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan engineer Brice Hernandez testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, revealing how suitcases filled with cash, totaling approximately PHP1 billion, were delivered to Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co through an aide.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hernandez, alongside former project engineer Jaypee Mendoza, disclosed that all infrastructure projects in Bulacan since 2019 were substandard, attributing this to systemic corruption. Hernandez explained that more than 20 suitcases, each containing around PHP50 million, were transported using six to seven vans. Initially, these deliveries were made to a five-star hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, before being moved to a penthouse and eventually to Co’s residence at Valle Verde 6 in Pasig City.
Rep. Co is currently in the United States for medical treatment. However, House of Representatives Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked his travel clearance, mandating his return within 10 days. Hernandez clarified that the money was never handed directly to Co but to his aide, identified only as ‘Paul.’
Further revelations from the hearing included testimony that former DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara instructed these deliveries, with DPWH drivers Andre Balatbat and Christian Santiago also involved in transporting cash. Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson ordered subpoenas for those who failed to attend the hearing despite invitations.
In his affidavit, Alcantara identified Co as the ‘top proponent’ of flood control insertions amounting to PHP35 billion from 2022 to 2025. Hernandez admitted that all flood control projects in Bulacan’s First District were substandard, with commissions ranging from 25 to 30 percent allegedly going to political proponents. For multipurpose buildings, the cut was about 10 percent.
During questioning by Senator Bam Aquino, Hernandez further admitted that all DPWH projects in Bulacan, including classrooms, hospitals, bridges, roads, and streetlights, were substandard. None of the projects met the specified requirements in the plans, raising concerns about their durability, especially in the event of an earthquake, as pointed out by Senator Erwin Tulfo.
Hernandez explained that official plans were altered to accommodate inflated budgets, providing opportunities for fund skimming. Mendoza confirmed that cost-padding was achieved by manipulating project specifications, leading to bloated budgets. Senator Tulfo expressed skepticism about the structural integrity of these projects, criticizing the diversion of funds to proponents’ expenses.
