Sen. Joel Villanueva – Photo courtesy of Joel Villanueva/Facebook.
Senator Joel Villanueva has been given additional time to submit his counter-affidavit in one of the malversation complaints linked to alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Tuesday that Villanueva filed a motion requesting more time as state prosecutors conduct preliminary investigations into several complaints involving contractors Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
Under the DOJ’s approval, the senator now has until January 26 to file his response, according to spokesperson Polo Martinez. Villanueva is named as a respondent in multiple malversation complaints related to the flood control projects.
Martinez said the extension ensures that Villanueva can prepare his defense while prosecutors continue reviewing evidence. “The preliminary investigations are ongoing, but at different stages. We cannot yet determine when these cases will be resolved,” he added.
The first batch of complaints related to flood control irregularities involved SYMS Construction, with some referred to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, and others still under review.
A second set of complaints, which includes the cases linked to Wawao and Topnotch, is scheduled for resolution later this month. A third batch involves plunder complaints against former lawmakers, including Zaldy Co, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Villanueva was previously linked to the controversy by dismissed Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara in 2025. Earlier this month, the senator also filed a counter-affidavit in a separate graft complaint involving alleged kickbacks from a flood control project.