The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee held a hearing on September 23, with Bryce Hernandez, the former Assistant Engineer of the First District of the Department of Public Works in Wu Liu Gan Province, in attendance to testify. The hearing mainly revolved around discussions on alleged improper fund operations and casino activities by officials of the Department of Public Works.
Hearing Background and Main Allegations
At the hearing held by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, former Assistant Engineer Bryce Hernandez testified as a witness. The hearing aimed to investigate possible misconduct by officials of the Department of Public Works, including handling of funds and activities in casinos.
Cash Transportation and Source of Funds
Hernandez admitted at the hearing that he had repeatedly transported suitcases filled with cash to casinos. According to his statement, each suitcase contained about 20 million pesos in cash, with a frequency of two to three times a week. These funds were allegedly from former District Engineer Henry Yagan Tala.
Use of Fake IDs
The hearing revealed that related officials of the Department of Public Works used fake identity documents during their casino activities. It was disclosed that an individual named "Mike Archival" (actually Archival Toregosa) provided these fake documents. This person will be summoned to attend subsequent hearings.
Funds Investigation and Account Discovery
The Anti-Money Laundering Committee's investigation showed that Hernandez and his family members (including his wife, ex-wife, and mother) had a total of about 597 million pesos in their bank accounts. Faced with questioning, Hernandez initially stated he did not remember having such a large amount of funds, but later admitted that this figure might be true.
Progress of the Hearing and Public Attention
This hearing is part of a series of investigations that have sparked attention in Philippine society regarding the management of funds for public works projects. Information disclosed at the hearing included large cash flows, casino activities, and unusual fund deposits.
Subsequent Procedures and Investigation Directions
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will continue to advance related investigations, expecting to summon more witnesses to attend subsequent hearings. The focus of the investigation will concentrate on the sources of funds, their flow, and potential management loopholes.
