MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Sunday confirmed that whistleblower Brice Hernandez has retrieved documents and a computer from his residence—materials that could become pivotal evidence in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry into the flood control scam.
Lacson, who chairs the panel, said the items were sealed immediately after collection to preserve the chain of custody.
“We are preparing the proper procedures so that when the time comes to unseal them, the integrity of the materials cannot be questioned,” he said.
The committee will examine the evidence in upcoming hearings, the senator said.
In his earlier testimonies, Hernandez claimed that contractors were forced to provide kickbacks to lawmakers, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.
The two senators denied the allegations.
“If they prove credible, they will be presented in the hearings and transmitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICCI) and, ultimately, to the Ombudsman,” Lacson said of the evidence that Hernandez surrendered.
Hernandez was temporarily released from Senate custody on Saturday morning to collect the files.
The retrieval followed Hernandez’s testimony that contractors funneled public works kickbacks to lawmakers and officials. While the allegations have sparked controversy, Lacson emphasized that they remain unproven without corroborating records.
“Right now, what we have are allegations. These materials may either substantiate or refute those claims,” he said.
Lacson said that Hernandez had admitted being involved in corrupt schemes, including receiving luxury vehicles that he has begun to surrender. Lacson said the whistleblower’s credibility ultimately rests on whether he can support his claims with documentary evidence.
The Blue Ribbon Committee will resume public hearings on Tuesday.
