Estrada files perjury raps vs. ex-DPWH exec over flood control claims

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Estrada repeatedly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Tuesday filed a perjury complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez.

In his complaint-affidavit, Estrada accused Hernandez of making false statements under oath and maliciously concocting lies to damage his name and reputation.

“Respondent Hernandez has publicly and maliciously concocted lies under oath with an obvious intent to tarnish me, my name, and my reputation,” Estrada said in his sworn affidavit.

“For this reason, I am charging respondent Hernandez with the crime of perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code,” he added.

Hernandez previously served as assistant district engineer of the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office before being placed under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program following his testimony in the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

He came into public attention after claiming in a legislative hearing that Estrada inserted about PHP355 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan and allegedly received kickbacks from contractors.

Estrada repeatedly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

The allegations are part of a broader inquiry into supposed “ghost” or overpriced flood control projects in Bulacan and nearby provinces, which have drawn scrutiny from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Commission on Audit.

Estrada said the perjury complaint aims to restore his name and hold accountable those who have spread falsehoods against him.

“These malicious lies cannot go unanswered,” he said, adding that his filing is part of his continuing effort to clear his reputation amid what he described as “baseless and fabricated allegations.”