LIVE: Manifestation of Senator Joel Villanueva. Screengrab from Joel Villanueva

During a recent Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, the name of Senator Joel Villanueva was once again brought up by District Engineer Henry Alcantara. In a short but direct manifestation, the Senator clarified his position, stating he is fully prepared to be investigated on the allegations and has nothing to hide.

The Senator highlighted what he described as a crucial detail from Alcantara's testimony earlier in the day. According to Villanueva, Alcantara stated he did not request any flood control projects and was not aware of the projects being discussed. Instead, Alcantara clarified that the request from Villanueva’s office was for multi-purpose buildings for his constituents in Bulacan, not flood control.

Villanueva also noted that Alcantara admitted to providing assistance, but specifically said it was not given to the Senator himself. The Senator expressed frustration that his name was just mentioned in the hearing, despite the witness himself clarifying that Villanueva had no involvement or knowledge of the flood control projects.

"What is this, Mr. President?" the Senator asked. "Just so my name can be mentioned, they'll drag us into the flood control issue? Even the witness himself said I had no knowledge of it."