A publication material (pubmat) congratulating Sen. Joel Villanueva for receiving the “World Integrity Prize” earlier this year resurfaced amid allegations of his involvement in flood control corruption.
On Jan. 25, 2025, Christian television network Light TV posted a pubmat greeting the lawmaker, who was recognized as a recipient of the World Integrity Prize and named as a “Person of Sincere Anti-Corruption Integrity.”
The award was presented by the South Korea-based Anti-Corruption Civil Movement General Federation (ACCMGF).
The ACCMGF, an influential organization authorized by South Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, said that Villanueva was awarded for his significant contributions to combating corruption and promoting transparency over his 23 years of public service.
The lawmaker served as chairman and representative of the Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption party-list and became an advocate for anti-corruption measures, including the Procurement Act, Anti-Red Tape Act and the Freedom of Information bill during his time in the House of Representatives.
Villanueva also mentioned that when he became a senator in 2016, one of his priority bills was the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, which was inspired by the Korean Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Light TV congratulated him on this recognition and dedicated a post in January to honor his achievements.
“Congratulations, Sen. Joel Villanueva, on receiving the World Integrity Prize for your unwavering dedication as a Truth and Anti-Corruption Advocate!” the network’s Facebook post read.
“Your leadership and integrity are an inspiration to us all,” it added.
The post, despite being uploaded months ago, gained traction anew as Filipinos revisit it amid the senator’s alleged involvement in the current flood control corruption scandal.
So far, it has received 8,100 likes and reactions, 1,500 shares, and over 70 comments.
“Congrats po, Senator, sana mabulok kayo sa kulungan,” a Facebook user commented.
“Dami niyo namang nabudol, haha,” another wrote.
“Booo,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Congratulations po!!!” another Facebook user said, adding the hashtags referencing the flood control issue: “#DPWHAdvocate,” “#parasakickback,” “#parasaSOP,” and “#JoelisLord.”
“Didn’t age well,” a different Facebook user said.
Flood control mess
Villanueva was among the senators implicated by dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in the kickback schemes involving flood control projects currently being investigated in Congress, particularly in Bulacan.
Sacked DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara said he brought P150 million to a resthouse in Bulacan for one of the senator’s staff, identified only as “Peng.”
Brice Hernandez, another dismissed DPWH engineer, previously claimed that Villanueva endorsed P600 million worth of infrastructure projects in the 2023 General Appropriations Act.
He added that the senator had a 30% cut, referred to as the “standard operating procedure,” which resembles a payola-like scheme.
Hernandez also said he served as one of Villanueva’s “bag men” in relation to the kickback scheme.
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla saidon Tuesday, September 23, that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file indirect bribery and malversation charges against Villanueva, as well as Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol party-list), in connection with the scandal.
Villanueva said he and his office are “ready to be investigated so that the truth may come out.”
“It was… very clear from Mr. Alcantara’s own statement that… hindi po ako nag-request ng kahit anong flood control project. Sinabi rin po niyang wala po akong alam at hindi rin po ako kailanman sinabihan tungkol sa mga proyektong ‘yan,” he said in manifestation. — with reports from Philstar.com/Jean Mangaluz and Dominique Flores
