The camp of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero reiterated on Friday, November 14 that the latest allegations being hurled against the lawmaker are nothing new.

Escudero’s legal counsel, Ramon Esguerra, noted that the testimony of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Escudero’s supposed involvement in the flood control mess, “have been denied and refuted before.”

“There is no direct evidence presented in the testimony of Bernardo linking Senator Chiz to any criminal act. Speculations and insinuations are not evidence. These are at best hearsay, lack basis, and are self-serving statements that will not stand in any court of law,” Esguerra said.

The lawyer further expressed belief that the allegations made by the retired DPWH official

“are merely designed to besmirch and destroy Senator Chiz’s reputation, as well as that of the Senate.”

“We are confident that the facts and evidence will vindicate Senator Chiz, show that these allegations against him are malicious and baseless, and prove that he is innocent,” he said.

Earlier, in his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Bernardo claimed that his transactions with Escudero were coursed through Maynard Ngu, who was appointed special envoy to China for trade, investments and tourism in 2023, who acted in behalf of the senator.

In his sworn affidavit, Bernardo included a copy of the complete list of projects for Escudero worth P1.4-billion with “a 20% commitment.” He said he made the first and second delivery of this said “commitment” at the Cherry Mobile building of Ngu in Apacible St., Manila.