MANILA — The Department of Justice has forwarded its findings on malversation complaints against Senator Joel Villanueva over alleged ghost flood control projects to the Ombudsman, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said.

Martinez declined to reveal the specific recommendation made by DOJ prosecutors.

“Those three cases have been officially endorsed to the Ombudsman,” he said in an ambush interview.

“At that point, the Ombudsman will then review the findings of the DOJ prosecutors and then issue its own review resolution, see if it agrees with the findings by our prosecutors, and file the case added the Sandiganbayan if it does find the quantum of evidence necessary,” he added.

The DOJ confirmed that the endorsement took place last week. Martinez clarified that the department was only deputized to conduct preliminary investigations, and the cases must be transmitted to the Ombudsman for further action.

Villanueva faces three complaints linked to alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan involving contractors Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. The complaints include charges of malversation, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, corruption of public officials, and violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The senator’s connection to the flood control projects was raised by dismissed Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara in September 2025.

Villanueva has denied the allegations, maintaining he has “nothing to hide.”