Senator Joel Villanueva has formally submitted his counter-affidavit in connection with a malversation complaint linked to a flood control project in Bulacan, marking a key development in the ongoing investigation. The filing was made on Friday, January 23, ahead of the extended January 26 deadline granted by the panel of prosecutors.
The extension was approved after Villanueva, through his legal counsel, filed a motion on January 20 requesting additional time to prepare his response. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the senator’s counter-affidavit was received earlier than required, a move seen as a sign of cooperation with the legal process.
DOJ spokesperson Attorney Polo Martinez said the filing came in advance of the scheduled preliminary investigation hearing set for the following week. According to Martinez, the timely submission allows prosecutors to thoroughly review Villanueva’s statements and supporting documents as part of the ongoing proceedings.
Villanueva is named as a respondent in three out of six complaints arising from alleged irregularities involving Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc. The cases are centered on a flood control project in Bulacan, with the complainants accusing several respondents of malversation of public funds. All six cases are currently undergoing preliminary investigation at the DOJ.
The senator has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the accusations are politically motivated. In previous statements, Villanueva emphasized that he is prepared to answer the charges head-on and present evidence to refute the allegations. His camp has reiterated confidence that the investigation will eventually clear his name.
Attorney Martinez earlier noted that the panel of prosecutors is working toward resolving the complaints within the month. Once the preliminary investigation is completed, the DOJ will determine whether there is sufficient basis to file formal charges in court or dismiss the cases for lack of probable cause.
The outcome of the investigation is being closely watched, as it involves public funds allocated for flood control infrastructure projects that are critical to mitigating disaster risks in Bulacan and nearby areas. Legal observers note that the timely resolution of the cases will be crucial not only for the respondents but also for public trust in government infrastructure spending.
As the process moves forward, the DOJ has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted fairly, independently, and based solely on the evidence presented by all parties involved.