Quezon city: Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has officially filed a perjury complaint with the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez. In his complaint-affidavit, Estrada accuses Hernandez of fabricating false statements under oath with the intent to damage his reputation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the complaint stems from allegations made by Hernandez during a legislative hearing. Hernandez, who previously held the position of assistant district engineer at the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, is currently under the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program. His testimony has been pivotal in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Hernandez claimed that Estrada had inserted approximately PHP355 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan and purportedly received kickbacks from contractors. Estrada has vehemently denied these accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

These allegations are a focal point in a wider investigation into suspected 'ghost' or overpriced flood control projects in Bulacan and adjacent provinces. The inquiry has attracted the attention of both the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Commission on Audit.

Estrada has stated that the perjury complaint is a step towards restoring his reputation and holding accountable those who have spread falsehoods about him. He emphasized the importance of addressing these "malicious lies," asserting that his legal action is part of an ongoing effort to defend his name against what he terms "baseless and fabricated allegations."