Senator Jinggoy Estrada threatened to cite contractor Sally Santos in contempt while pressing her to reveal her links to officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, September 8

“You better give me a good reason why I should not cite you in contempt. Come on, give me a good reason,” Estrada told Santos, demanding that she identify her contacts inside DPWH.

Under intense questioning, Santos admitted that her company’s license had been used by Former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Bryce Erickson Hernandez.

“Actually po, si Engineer Bryce Erickson Hernandez po. Yung ginagamit po yung lisensya ko… sa DPWH po, yung mga project po niya,” Santos said.

Hernandez, who was also present at the hearing, corroborated that Santos would bring large sums of cash to his office.

“Si Sally po, pagka nakakolekta, dinadala po sa office ko yung mga pera, naka-box po, naka-seal po siya lahat. Hindi ko po ginagalaw dun yun at pinakukuha po ni boss sa opisina ko,” Hernandez testified, identifying “Boss Henry Alcantara,” a former DPWH Bulacan district engineer, as the recipient.

Cash in Box

Pressed by Estrada on the amounts involved, Santos admitted delivering staggering sums.

“Your Honor, marami po. Minsan po ₱245 million… minsan po ₱100 million,” she said, adding that the cash was transported in boxes.

Estrada reacted with outrage, questioning how such massive deliveries could openly take place inside a government office.

“Hindi ba nakikita ng mga empleyado ng DPWH may daladala kang kahon? Palagay ko, I assume alam nila na pera yun,” Estrada asked.

“Yes, Your Honor. Nakikita po nila, sigurado po ako yun,” Santos responded.

The revelations shed light on the alleged cash flow system behind ghost and anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, with senators warning of possible criminal and administrative charges against those implicated.