Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday strongly denied allegations linking him to the controversial flood control projects in Bulacan, after being named by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez during a House joint committee hearing.

Speaking at the Senate session, Villanueva insisted he has never had any involvement in flood control projects in Bulacan.

“Uulitin ko at parang sirang plaka na po ako, Mr. President. Wala po ako kailanman naging flood control project,” Villanueva said.

The senator dismissed the accusations as a political smear.

“Hindi po tayo natatakot sa mga ganitong uri ng demolition job. Handa rin po tayong madungisan ang ating pangalan, mainsulto, o batikusin kung ito naman po ang magliligtas sa ating mga kababayan at tuldok sa unli-baha,” he added.

During the House Committee on Public Accounts, Public Works and Highways, and Good Government and Public Accountability hearing, Hernandez presented screenshots of allegedly “disappearing” messages purportedly exchanged between Villanueva and former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara.

In one of the exchanges, Villanueva allegedly asked about a flood control project, to which Alcantara’s contact replied: “Pag-usapan po namin bukas boss, so can rely to Sec po.”

Alcantara, however, denied the exchange of messages between him and the senator, saying he was not close to Villanueva and had only one prior interaction with the senator regarding a multi-purpose project in Bulacan.

Villanueva maintained that his advocacy on flood control has been already in the line amid being only addressed today by the officials.