Ombudsman Boying Remulla alleged that Sen. Joel Villanueva's lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, was behind claims that former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara planned to recant his testimony on flood control kickbacks. Remulla suggested this was an attempt to gain leverage in a P150 million graft case. Alcantara's lawyer confirmed no recantation occurred.
At a press conference on Thursday, January 15, Ombudsman Boying Remulla alleged that Ramon Esguerra, legal counsel for Sen. Joel Villanueva, was promoting claims that former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara intended to recant his testimony implicating senators in flood control kickbacks worth P150 million from Bulacan projects.
"And the guy spinning it is the lawyer of Joel Villanueva, 'di ba? Ang nags-spin nun si Mon Esguerra," Remulla said. He added, "Syempre, trying to get a good deal for Joel siguro itong si Mon Esguerra. Pero sabi ko nga, ano, lahat state witness? Pano 'yun, wala na tayo ikukulong? Wala na tayo pananagutin?"
Alcantara's lawyer, Emil Karlo Joven, stated on Tuesday, January 13, that his client had not recanted any testimony given at Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings or other proceedings. The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that Alcantara and three other former DPWH officials were admitted as state witnesses in the flood control probe.
Remulla warned that recanting would damage their credibility and risk their state witness status, which shields them from liability. If given the opportunity to address the accused, he would tell them that "playing hardball will not be favorable."
Dismissed DPWH assistant engineer Brice Hernandez first implicated Villanueva in the kickback scheme, a detail later confirmed by Alcantara. On January 5, Villanueva filed a counter-affidavit with the DOJ denying involvement. Esguerra noted that the senator has witnesses prepared to counter Alcantara's allegations of facilitating P150 million in kickbacks.
