Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday cast doubt on the credibility of ex-Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, a controversial key person in the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

“From my vantage point, hindi siya credible…Kung siya ay niyayaya lamang paano siya nakapag chips to cash, cash to chips ng bilyon? Saan nanggaling yon?” Lacson said, referring to billions of pesos reportedly moved through Hernandez’s casino transactions between 2023 and 2025.

Lacson flagged the potential for money laundering in “cash to chips” and “chips to cash” transactions conducted by the so-called BGC (Bulacan Group of Contractors) boys, citing inconsistencies in reported balances.

He explained that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) would track the flow of funds to establish any illicit patterns: “This will be validated by the flow of incoming and outgoing transactions sa banko…Hihimayin nila para ma-establish ‘yong pattern, kailan sila pumunta ng casino, magkano pumasok sa bangko at magkano lumabas.”

Contrary to claims that the investigation covers only the 2022-2025 period, Lacson said alleged irregularities date back to 2015, suggesting a broader history of possible anomalies.

“So matagal nang nagyayari ito,” he noted.

WJ Construction Visit Adds to Senate Scrutiny

Amid these allegations, the committee is also probing a visit by a WJ Construction representative to the Senate on August 19, 2025. The company allegedly carried “obligations” linked to the flood control projects, according to testimony presented during the inquiry.

“Ipupush na namin ‘yong sa WJ, ‘yong lumabas sa pagdinig na allegation ni Brice Hernandez na di umano ‘yong WJ [ay] magdadala, magdedeliver ng obligasyon,” Lacson said. CCTV footage reportedly shows a WJ representative, identified as “Mina,” entering the Senate premises. “Ipapatawag namin ‘yon kasi tatanungin namin…para malaman kung kanino siya nagpunta, kaninong office at sino ‘yong kinausap niya para maliwanag,” he added.

Lacson stressed that whether the visit involved Senate staff or legislators, clarification would be required.

The senator also confirmed that several known personalities have approached him expressing willingness to serve as star witnesses. However, none have yet been formally accepted or sworn in due to inconsistencies.

“Even before I was elected chairman of the Blue Ribbon, marami nang lumalapit after my first privilege speech. Eh ‘yong iba syempre sinasala namin kung ano bang motibo nito,” Lacson said, emphasizing the committee’s careful vetting process.

Lacson requested two days to review documents ahead of the next hearing, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 18, signaling that more high-profile subpoenas may be imminent as the investigation continues.