Brice Hernandez surrenders luxury vehicle to ICI

Former Bulacan 1st District assistant engineer Brice Hernandez surrendered Friday one of his luxury vehicles to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to cooperate in its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. 

“From the very start, Mr. Hernandez answered all questions freely and voluntarily without evasion and showed full cooperation,” said ICI chairperson retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr. in a statement, noting that Hernandez appeared before the commission following a subpoena issued on September 18. 

“As a sign of good faith and his willingness to further cooperate with the Commission, Mr. Hernandez is voluntarily surrendering one of his luxury vehicles to the Commission, and others to follow. In the meantime, the testimony of Engr. Hernandez was adjourned and shall continue upon the directive of the Commission,” Reyes added. 

The ICI on Friday began its investigation along with two other members, former Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV country managing partner Rossana Fajardo. Also with them was special adviser and investigator Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Senate President Tito Sotto earlier confirmed that Hernandez, who had been detained in the Senate after being cited in contempt during a Blue Ribbon committee hearing, was brought to the ICI. He said he signed an order allowing Hernandez to testify. 

The ICI issued two subpoenas to Hernandez: one requiring him to appear before the commission, and the other ordering him to bring documents, records, or evidence to the proceedings.

Relevant revelations 

Magalong said that Hernandez was cooperative with the ICI, noting that they got “relevant” information from him. 

“Very relevant ang kanyang mga revelations niya. But in short, tell-all siya and he will continue to cooperate with us para talagang ma-identify pa lalo 'yung iba pang mga sangkot,” he told reporters. 

(His revelations are very relevant. In short, he was a tell-all and he will continue to cooperate with us to identify the other personalities involved.) 

“Basta ang masasabi ko lang ay marami pa siyang nabanggit na mga hindi nabanggit [...] Magandang lead ito para sa mga imbestigador,” Magalong added. 

(All I can say is he said many things that he was not able to disclose before [...] This will be a good lead for the investigators.) 

Further, the Baguio City mayor said that Hernandez will also soon surrender a Ferrari car worth P58 million, a Lamborghini that costs between P30 million to P40 million, and some motorcycles.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/AOL, GMA Integrated News