DOJ Third Visit by Ex-Engineers in Flood-Control Case
Two former Bulacan officials arrived at the Department of Justice on Thursday for the third time as prosecutors continue the case-building process surrounding alleged anomalies in flood-control projects. Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, formerly the first district’s assistant engineers, are currently under provisional acceptance into the Witness Protection Program, though they are not yet designated as state witnesses.
Who are Hernandez and Mendoza?
Hernandez and Mendoza previously worked on public works and flood-control initiatives in Bulacan. Their testimonies and the information they provide are expected to illuminate how certain projects were planned and implemented, including any irregularities that may have occurred. The DOJ has described their ongoing involvement as part of the case-building phase rather than as formal, sworn witnesses at this stage.
Witness Protection Program Status
The two men are under provisional acceptance into the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program, a status that offers protections and certain support while investigators assess their cooperative value. This arrangement indicates that they are not yet treated as state witnesses; prosecutors are still evaluating the strength and relevance of their information before pursuing full witness designation.
Hernandez’s Information from a Computer
Hernandez has previously supplied information stored on his computer to the DOJ. He clarified that the data primarily contains names associated with lawmakers who may be linked to anomalous flood-control projects, and not the names of senators. Authorities are reviewing the data to determine its credibility, scope, and how it corroborates other evidence in the case.
What this Means for the Case
The DOJ’s case-building process is often iterative, relying on multiple sources of information and corroboration. While Hernandez’s tip and Mendoza’s cooperation could accelerate leads, prosecutors stress that any future prosecutions will depend on a robust evidentiary trail and the formal designation of witnesses. The ongoing visits underscore the department’s effort to assemble a comprehensive picture of how flood-control contracts were awarded and carried out, including any potential links to lawmakers.
Next Steps
Observers should anticipate further DOJ updates, additional interviews with the former engineers, and possible developments regarding their status in the Witness Protection Program. As investigators sift through Hernandez’s computer data alongside existing records and testimonies, more details are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
