SENATOR Joel Villanueva is not among those named in the plunder case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the controversial flood control projects, according to Justice Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez.
Martinez clarified that Villanueva is not included in the separate plunder cases that involve Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Senator Bong Revilla Jr., and fugitive former Congressman Zaldy Co.
Despite this, Villanueva still faces complaints of malversation of public funds, bribery, and other charges, which are currently under investigation by the DOJ.
Villanueva previously submitted a counter-affidavit to the DOJ to refute his alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.
The senator has maintained that he respects due process, which is why he appeared at the preliminary investigation at the DOJ. However, he described the complaints alleging that he received a percentage from the flood control project as “laughable” or “ridiculous.”
