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Estrada's camp confident no proof of 'kickbacks' tied to lawmaker

Philippines | National

Estrada's camp confident no proof of 'kickbacks' tied to lawmaker

By Hannah L. Torregoza

At A Glance

The camp of Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada on Monday, September 22 is confident that no evidence exists linking him to any supposed "kickbacks" in flood control projects.

The camp of Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada on Monday, September 22 is confident that no evidence exists linking him to any supposed “kickbacks” in flood control projects.

This, after former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was reportedly able to retrieve documents, computer files and other items that would support his claims against lawmakers tied to the flood control mess.

Hernandez, who was cited in contempt, had earlier linked Estrada and Sen. Joel Villanueva to the anomalous flood control projects.

He alleged that Estrada inserted P355-million worth of flood control projects in the General Appropriations Act, while Villanueva allocated P600-million, for funding in Bulacan’s first district in exchange for an alleged 30 percent “kickback.”

“For now, I can share that Senator Estrada has always been firm and consistent in denying these allegations, and we remain confident that no evidence exists linking him to any supposed kickbacks in flood control projects,” his spokesperson, lawyer Bianca Soriano said in a statement.

As of now, Estrada also does not have any plans to inhibit in the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the controversy.

“There is no valid ground nor sound reason for Senator Estrada to inhibit from the Blue Ribbon Committee,” said Soriano.

“He has consistently denied the baseless allegations against him and remains committed to performing his duties with impartiality and integrity,” she added.

Related Tags

Jinggoy Estrada DPWH flood control mess Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

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