MANILA — Former senator Bong Revilla and incumbent Sen. Joel Villanueva filed separate counter-affidavits before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, January 5, denying allegations that they were involved in anomalous construction projects in Bulacan.

In a media report, Revilla, through his lawyer Francesca Señga, described the accusations as “hearsay,” saying they were based on “incredible, unbelievable, and unreliable” sources.

“A charge against an individual on the mere say-so of an unreliable source. In this case, unreliable and unbelievable witnesses,” Señga said.

She added that such complaints are often used to harass or disturb individuals.

“Sa totoo lang, ‘yung mga ganitong complaint ayon sa batas, at sa rules ng evidence, hindi ito dapat paniwaalan, hindi ito dapat pakinggan. Dahil ito ay walang bigat, at walang halaga,” Señga said.

Revilla had earlier filed a counter-affidavit on December 11.

Villanueva said his counter-affidavit contains “a comprehensive factual and legal refutation of the accusations against him,” supported by sworn affidavits, official records, and documentary evidence.

“The Counter-Affidavit clearly establishes that there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that Senator Villanueva received any amount of money from flood control projects, or any other government project, allegedly given by Engr. Henry C. Alcantara, Engr. Jaypee D. Mendoza, Engr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, or anyone else alleged to have given him money, whether directly or through any intermediary,” Villanueva’s camp said in a statement.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the preliminary investigation covers projects in Bulacan under WAWAO Builders or Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. that were reported as “100% completed” but were either grossly deficient or completely non-existent.

The complaints include allegations of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Martinez clarified that these cases are separate from five earlier complaints involving SYMS Construction Trading, which have already been referred to the Office of the Ombudsman.