Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson announced that the Blue Ribbon Committee is awaiting 'receipts' or evidence to support claims that senators received commissions from flood control projects, as Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva continue to assert their innocence.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson, who leads the committee, emphasized that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez needs to present documents to support his testimony before the Senate or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) can consider recommending charges. Lacson highlighted the necessity of clear receipts to substantiate the allegation that Hernandez provided a 30 percent commission to the two senators.

Lacson stated that he is planning to request Senate President Vicente Sotto III to permit Hernandez to temporarily leave the Senate under supervision to secure the alleged documents. He noted that without evidence, the allegations remain as mere claims, but if documents are presented in the next hearing, they could recommend charges to the ICI or Ombudsman.

On Thursday, Lacson acknowledged budget allocations aligning with Hernandez's claims: PHP600 million in flood control projects from unprogrammed funds in the 2023 General Appropriations Act allegedly linked to Villanueva, and PHP355 million in the 2025 budget associated with Estrada.

Both senators refuted the allegations. Estrada expressed his support for the ICI investigation, expressing his belief that it will clear him of the accusations. He stated his expectation for a fair and impartial investigation that will vindicate him of the unfounded allegations. Estrada also criticized Hernandez as an unreliable witness whose claims have not withstood scrutiny.

Villanueva, on the other hand, delivered an emotional defense during the hearing, describing the allegations as attempts to tarnish his reputation and that of his family and church community. He lamented that the gossip is affecting his life, family, and millions who respect his faith.

Former DPWH construction division chief Jaypee Mendoza claimed that Villanueva requested up to PHP1.5 billion but was allocated only PHP600 million. However, former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, under questioning by Villanueva, denied receiving such requests.