Magalong: Brice Hernandez gave ICI new information on flood control projects

Independent Commission on Infrastructure adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez gave a testimony that included information that he has yet to tell in congressional hearings on the ghost and substandard flood control projects worth billions of pesos.

In an interview, Magalong said Hernandez would also surrender a Ferrari and a Lamborghini–supercars that are worth tens of millions of pesos–and some motorcycles. He turned over a GMC Yukon SUV to the commission on Friday as "a sign of good faith." 

The ICI – its chairman retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., and members former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, and SGV country managing partner Rossana Fajardo – began its investigation into the flood control projects on Friday.

They were joined by the special adviser Magalong.

Aside from Hernandez, former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan also faced the ICI. 

'Very relevant'

“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.) 

The surrendered vehicles will be under ICI's custody and will be put up for auction, according to the television report. 

Further, the ICI will conduct regular hearings and will summon other personalities involved in the flood control mess. These will be done alongside the inspection of anomalous flood control projects nationwide, the report said.

'Answered without evasion'

“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,” he added. 

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. –NB, GMA Integrated News