MANILA — Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Nancy Binay on Thursday denied allegations linking them to anomalies in flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Escudero, in a statement, described the claims made by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing as “malicious allegations and innuendos.”

“I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo in today’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter—and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement,” Escudero said.

He claimed that the accusations were part of a “well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members to destroy and discredit the institution and to divert the public’s attention from the real perpetrators.”

“Puro talaga senador ang tinuturo?! Nasaan si Zaldy Co? Nasaan na si Rep. Martin Romualdez sa lahat ng ito?! Nasaan ang mga kasabwat nya?!” he added. Escudero also said he would file charges against Bernardo, insisting that in his 27 years of public service, he has never been charged with corruption.

Binay, for her part, said she was surprised and saddened to be dragged into the controversy.

“Nagugulat at nalulungkot ako na dinadamay ako sa mga anomalya ng DPWH. Walang katotohanan ang mga bintang sa akin,” she said.

She added that she has been working quietly as mayor of Makati and stressed that her performance in public service “has always been above board and beyond a shadow of doubt.”