Former Senate President Escudero Denies Involvement in Flood Control Project Anomalies

Former Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has firmly rejected accusations implicating him in anomalies related to flood control projects, describing the claims as a "well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members." In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Escudero asserted that attempts to involve him in the controversy aim to damage the Senate's reputation and divert public attention from actual wrongdoings.

"I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in today's (September 25) Senate Blue Ribbon Committee," Escudero said. He also vowed to contest any legal charges based on Bernardo's claims.

Bernardo submitted an affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging he handed over P160 million to Escudero through businessman Maynard Ngu as payment for four projects in Valenzuela and Marinduque. These projects were folded into the bicameral version of the 2025 proposed national budget, which was later included in the General Appropriations Act totaling P800 million. Bernardo further identified Ngu as a close friend and campaign contributor of Escudero.

Former senator and current Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay has likewise denied the accusations presented by Bernardo. Earlier, Bernardo claimed that in 2024, Binay's trusted staff and aide Carleen Villa demanded a 15 percent kickback from three flood control projects in Bulacan towns Malolos City, Pulilan, and Balagtas, which had a combined budget of P250 million. Bernardo alleged that he personally delivered P37 million to Binay at a residence in Quezon City.

Both Escudero and Binay have dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated attempts to discredit them amid ongoing investigations.