Third DOJ Visit by Hernandez and Mendoza
Two former Bulacan first district assistant engineers, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, arrived at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday for their third appearance as prosecutors press forward with the case build-up around alleged irregular flood-control projects. The session occurred amid ongoing questions about the role of various parties in the procurement and execution of flood-control works and the extent to which witnesses may be called to testify.
Both men are currently described by authorities as under provisional acceptance into the Witness Protection Program (WPP), a status that stops short of formal designation as state witnesses. The DOJ has said the protection arrangement is part of the process to ensure their safety and cooperation, while investigators determine the sufficiency of the information already provided and whether additional corroboration is needed before any formal decision is made on witness status.
Status in the Witness Protection Program
The notion of provisional acceptance reflects the careful balance authorities seek between safeguarding potential witnesses and maintaining the integrity of the probe. Officials have stressed that provisional protection does not equate to an oath to testify, but rather allows for a controlled environment in which investigators can continue interviews and document reviews while security measures are evaluated. The latest visit underscores the DOJ’s ongoing effort to gather firsthand accounts that might illuminate complex procurement flows tied to the flood-control projects in question.
Hernandez’s Computer Data
During an earlier session, Hernandez provided information stored on his computer to DOJ investigators. He has since clarified that the data on the device pertains specifically to names of lawmakers who may be linked to the anomalous flood-control projects. He emphasized that the list does not involve senators and suggested that the information should be weighed against other evidentiary leads. DOJ officials have indicated they will verify and cross-check such names with existing records and witnesses, ensuring that any potential connections are evaluated within the proper legal framework.
Implications for the Flood-Control Probe
The possible involvement of lawmakers in any irregularities related to flood-control projects could broaden the scope of the probe. While Hernandez’s disclosure is not itself proof of wrongdoing, it adds another layer for investigators to examine, particularly in light of how oversight, budgeting, and procurement decisions intersected with project execution. Analysts and observers note that the next steps will likely involve cross-referencing the listed names with contract documents, procurement logs, and communications that could reveal oversight gaps or potential conflicts of interest.
What Comes Next
As the DOJ continues to evaluate the information and determine whether the individuals named—if verified—should be called as witnesses, Hernandez and Mendoza may undergo additional interviews and document exchanges. The file on the anomalous flood-control projects remains active, with prosecutors pursuing corroborating evidence and formal witnesses who can provide clear, admissible testimony. The evolution of the WPP status will depend on ongoing cooperation, security considerations, and the progress of the broader investigation.
About the Witness Protection Program
The Witness Protection Program is designed to guard individuals who cooperate with law enforcement investigations. In the Philippines, these protections can include security arrangements, relocation, and confidentiality measures designed to ensure the safety of witnesses and their families while enabling them to participate in the judicial process. The current status of Hernandez and Mendoza reflects a step in the program’s careful, case-by-case approach to balancing protection with the needs of a complex corruption probe.
