Dismissed DPWH Engineers Uphold Claims of Kickbacks Involving Senators Estrada and Villanueva

During the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza maintained their accusations that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva were beneficiaries of kickbacks linked to flood control projects. The two dismissed engineers indicated that their information originated from their former supervisor, dismissed District Engineer Henry Alcantara. Hernandez reiterated his previous statement made in the House of Representatives, linking Estrada to kickbacks related to flood control projects slated for 2025. Senator Estrada challenged Hernandez, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence. "The burden of proof lies with you, Mr. Hernandez," Estrada asserted, adding that he is often targeted due to past associations with irregularities. Estrada denied soliciting any portion of DPWH project funds and described the allegations as hearsay. Senator Joel Villanueva confronted Mendoza regarding a Viber message exchange purportedly between him and Alcantara. The messages included Villanueva expressing dissatisfaction over funds allocation despite his position as majority flood leader and membership in the Commission on Appointments (CA) at the time. The texts also referenced confusion over the DPWH Secretary’s actions. Initially, Mendoza placed the date of these conversations in October 2023; however, Villanueva corrected this, noting that DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s confirmation by the CA occurred in November 2022. Mendoza then adjusted the date of the messages to October 4, 2022, while the related projects were from 2023. Mendoza detailed that Alcantara instructed him to photograph the messages, indicating Villanueva requested multipurpose building projects exceeding one billion pesos, but Bonoan could only allocate PHP 600 million. Alcantara proposed redirecting these funds to flood control projects. "Contractors took 25 percent, amounting to a total of PHP 150 million," Mendoza stated. Earlier, Alcantara acknowledged the message exchange but contended that the communications were about multipurpose building requests and did not pertain to flood control projects. Villanueva disputed the timeline, noting that he was not a CA member when the messages were sent. When asked by Villanueva if Alcantara ever solicited or nominated flood control projects on his behalf, Alcantara admitted to one instance. The senator also cautioned against relying solely on photographic evidence from mobile devices, highlighting the ease of fabricating conversations and tampering with metadata. "If we rely on pictures, anyone can claim anything," he commented. The hearing continues as investigators seek to verify the claims and establish accountability.

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WJ Construction Representative Denies Bribery Claims in Senate Flood Control Project Probe

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, Mina Jose, a representative of WJ Construction—implicated in irregularities related to flood control projects—testified about her presence on Senate CCTV footage on August 19. Jose clarified that her visit to Senator Erwin Tulfo’s office was to inspect repair works on the veranda, a statement confirmed by the senator himself. Senator Tulfo presented the committee with copies of text messages exchanged between his staff and Jose concerning the inspection. Under questioning, Jose firmly denied allegations that she went to the Senate to deliver illicit payments tied to flood control contracts. However, Jose did admit to later visiting the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee office to meet her friend Beng Ramos. Ramos is currently accused by Brice Hernandez, a former engineer at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st district, of collecting kickbacks related to projects linked to Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Ramos was excused from attending the hearing on humanitarian grounds as she is undergoing chemotherapy for stage four cancer. In a previous House Infrastructure Committee hearing, Hernandez implicated WJ Construction in a bribery scheme. He alleged that Senator Estrada received a 30% commission from flood control contracts totaling P355 million in Bulacan in 2023. Similarly, Senator Villanueva was said to have obtained a 30% commission from P600 million in flood control projects this year. Both senators have categorically denied the accusations against them.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Subpoenas Former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral Amid Flood Control Probe

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, September 18, issued a subpoena for former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral after she repeatedly failed to attend hearings regarding alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Senator Rodante Marcoleta raised concerns about Cabral's absence during the committee's resumed session, questioning why she was not present despite being summoned. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon informed the panel that he had accepted Cabral's courtesy resignation two nights prior. He clarified, however, that the committee could still compel her attendance in the hearings as a private citizen rather than a government official. "I want to inform the body that I officially accepted the courtesy resignation of Undersecretary Cabral two nights ago. And I believe, Mr. Chairman, that I think she wrote a letter. She informed me by message late last night that she had written the committee to inform her of that, to inform the committee of her, of the acceptance of her courtesy resignation and thus I think requested not to attend," Dizon said. "But of course, even if she is now just a private citizen and no longer part of the DPWH, I'm sure if the committee will require her to attend, she still must attend. But now no longer as an official of the DPWH," he added. Nonetheless, Senator Marcoleta maintained that resignation does not exempt Cabral from accountability as a former DPWH official. He emphasized the importance of addressing personal questions directly related to her role. In a privilege speech, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson recalled that Cabral reportedly messaged Senate President Vicente Sotto III, asking what he wished to be included in the 2026 National Expenditure Program after his electoral victory in May 2026. Sotto confirmed receiving such a text. Marcoleta remarked, "I don't think her resignation will shield her from her responsibility. There are personal questions that we need to ask her. More particularly, Mr. Chair, your own expose, I still recall in your last privilege speech, her text message to Senator Sotto is very damning." "It is something we need to properly process. It is probably within the heart of the DPWH system. So even if she resigns, it will not matter to us. There are personal questions that we must pursue," he continued. Lacson agreed with the motion to subpoena Cabral, which was seconded by Senator Erwin Tulfo. With no objections, Lacson, as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, approved the issuance of the subpoena. Previously, during a hearing conducted by the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, Cabral acknowledged the implementation of P51-billion infrastructure projects in the 1st District of Davao City over the last three years of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

Supreme Court Affirms Alfonso Cusi-Led Faction as Official PDP-Laban Leadership

The Supreme Court en banc has ruled in favor of the faction led by Alfonso Cusi and Melvin Matibag, affirming them as the rightful leaders of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). This decision resolves the longstanding leadership conflict dating back to 2021. In a comprehensive 25-page ruling issued on July 8, 2025, the Court dismissed the petition filed by former senators Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Manny Pacquiao. They contested the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) recognition of the Cusi-headed group. The Court highlighted that the core issue involved Pimentel’s faction’s claim to be the official representatives of PDP-Laban. It explained, "It is precisely the Pimentel-led faction’s alleged right to be recognized as the true and official members of PDP-Laban that is at the heart of the dispute. Such being the case, granting Pimentel and Pacquiao’s application for injunctive relief would have preempted the Court’s ruling on the principal issue raised in their petition." The tribunal found no grave abuse of discretion by the Comelec in accepting the petition initiated by Cusi’s group, despite procedural shortcomings. It emphasized the election body's authority to ease procedural rules to promote justice and expedite resolution. Moreover, the Supreme Court validated the legal capacity of Cusi and Matibag to file their petition with Comelec. It also upheld the election commission’s decisions endorsing the legitimacy of the national council meetings and assembly convened by the Cusi faction, confirming that quorum and procedural requirements were duly met. Significantly, the Court invalidated the actions taken by the Pimentel-led group to expel Cusi and Matibag and to name Pimentel as acting party chairperson. The ruling clarified that the National Executive Committee of PDP-Laban lacks authority under the party constitution to undertake such actions. This Supreme Court decision finally settles the leadership contest within PDP-Laban, endorsing the Cusi-led group as the legitimate national party officers.

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Pope Leo Criticizes CEO Pay Disparities and Questions UN's Effectiveness in New Interview

VATICAN CITY — In excerpts from his first media interview released on Sunday, Pope Leo expressed sharp criticism of corporate pay structures that grant executives significantly higher salaries than their employees, referencing Tesla’s recent $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk. Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo also discussed his time as a missionary in Peru, his approach to the papacy, his views on the United Nations’ current role, and his aspirations for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Demonstrating a more reserved communication style than his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for frequent interviews, Pope Leo prefers delivering prepared statements. The interview excerpts were published on a Catholic news platform. Pope Leo remarked, "CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving … 600 times more (now)." He pointed to the news of Elon Musk’s trajectory to becoming the first trillionaire, questioning, "What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble." Regarding the United Nations, he voiced concerns over its diminished capacity to facilitate effective multilateral diplomacy. "The United Nations should be the place where many … issues are dealt with," he said. "Unfortunately, it seems to be generally recognized that the United Nations, at least at this moment in time, has lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues." Reflecting on his new role, the pope acknowledged feeling spiritually prepared to guide the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide but less ready for the demands of global diplomatic leadership. "The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader," he said. "I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed. On that one I had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly."

Senate President Pro Tempore Denounces Circulating Rumors of Leadership Coup as "Fake News"

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has categorically rejected recent online allegations asserting that Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano amassed sufficient support to challenge Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III for his position. Lacson labeled the report as fabricated and a deliberate attempt to create confusion within the legislative body. In a post on X, Lacson referenced a screenshot of the claim originally posted by "OneTV Philippines," a relatively obscure digital news outlet reportedly based in Davao and Pagadian City. The page had asserted, "Another Regodon in the Senate? Senate Minority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano secures numbers for Senate presidency — OneTV Philippines source." Highlighting the outlet's limited reach, Lacson pointed out that its YouTube channel has roughly 2,000 subscribers and has not posted new content since July 2024. He described the rumors as a "desperate" and malicious effort to undermine the recently established Senate leadership. "This is fake. Intended to deceive and confuse. They are underestimating the intelligence of the new Senate majority bloc, hoping someone might switch sides and sign," Lacson said. Employing a lighthearted tone to emphasize the seriousness of the misinformation, he added, "If there's a song called 'Achy Breaky Heart,' this is 'Faky Breaky News.'" The speculation regarding a possible shift in Senate leadership comes amid increased public scrutiny over the Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The probe has raised questions about potential kickbacks and campaign donations involving lawmakers and favored contractors. Lacson reaffirmed that any alteration in Senate leadership must comply with established protocols. A minimum of 13 senators must endorse a resolution and present it to the Senate President, who would then tender a formal resignation at the opening of a session. "The correct and professional process involves approaching the Senate President, informing him, and presenting a resolution signed by at least 13 senators. Only then does the incumbent Senate President resign at the session's start — not through any media outlet, whether widely recognized or obscure," Lacson stressed. The current leadership was set on September 8, with Vicente Sotto elected as Senate President and Panfilo Lacson assuming the role of Senate President Pro Tempore while chairing the influential Blue Ribbon Committee.

Senate President Questions Authenticity of Discaya Affidavit Amid Corruption Probe

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has raised concerns about the authenticity of the affidavit presented by Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya and Cezarah "Sarah" Discaya during a Senate inquiry into irregularities in the flood control project. According to Sotto, Senate staff members alerted him to possible alterations in the affidavit, which alleged that certain lawmakers and officials from the Public Works department demanded and received kickbacks from the couple. Sotto noted that the Discayas had inconsistencies in their disclosures and testimonies before both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He stated, "Many Senate employees, including those from the Blue Ribbon Committee and especially Senator Panfilo Lacson, have informed us that the affidavit was reportedly edited." While he declined to specify who might have made these edits, Sotto cited these suspicions as a reason why he refrained from signing a letter initiated by former Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta, which sought to place the Discayas under the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program. "Had I not been concerned about preserving the Senate's integrity and reputation, I would have signed the request soon after my installation as Senate President," Sotto explained. "However, considering the Discayas' status as some of the largest government contractors and their conflicting testimonies, endorsing their protection simply did not seem appropriate." Regarding the Discayas' safety concerns, Sotto commented that given their considerable publicly known wealth, they could afford to hire extensive private security teams if necessary. The Senate President's remarks highlight ongoing scrutiny over the credibility of testimonies in the flood control scandal and suggest prudence in granting protections to key witnesses whose statements may be inconsistent.