Senator Joel Villanueva's Ties to Former Engineer in Flood Control Scam Scrutinized

Senator Joel Villanueva’s connection with former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara appears more intimate than previously acknowledged, with links extending to his family.

A photograph from November 24, 2021, originally posted on Villanueva’s official Facebook page but since removed, shows the senator aboard a boat with Alcantara. Also present were Bocaue Mayor Jonjon Villanueva, the senator’s brother, and Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna, his brother-in-law. The image's disappearance has raised eyebrows amid ongoing investigations.

Villanueva has consistently dismissed any association with Alcantara, who is now embroiled in a billion-peso flood control scandal, arguing that images and videos "prove nothing." He further claimed that Alcantara was seen with numerous politicians, implying a broad network not exclusive to him.

However, the situation intensified during a recent House hearing. Former Bulacan district engineer Jaypee Mendoza presented screenshots of alleged 2023 phone conversations between Villanueva and Alcantara. In these exchanges, Villanueva reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over his "small" share of flood control funds. One message even referenced a meeting at the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) church, founded by the Villanueva family.

With Alcantara centrally involved in the flood control graft allegations, these revelations cast new scrutiny on the senator’s prior statements. The deleted photo, leaked communications, and familial associations have intensified questions about the true nature of the Villanuevas’ relationship with the embattled Department of Public Works and Highways official.