DISMISSED DPWH ENGINEER RETURNS LUXURY CAR TO ICI

DISMISSED Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez on Friday returned one of his luxury cars to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)  amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged flood control anomalies.

Hernandez turned over to the ICI a black GMC Yukon Denali sports utility vehicle, reportedly worth P16 million.

“He would like to cooperate. We explained to him the pros and cons of his decision. We explained the choices carefully to him. And then, finally, he  realized that it was better to cooperate with us at ICI. That’s why the information he released was really free-flowing,” ICI Special Adviser and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.

Magalong also said that aside from the returned luxury car, Hernandez  told the Independent Commission  that he is also set to turn over a Ferrari worth P58 million and a Lamborghini worth about P30 to P40 million.

Hernandez made the commitment when he attended the first ICI hearing into the anomalous flood control projects.

Retired SC Associate Justice and ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes said that during the ICI inquiry, Hernandez “answered all questions freely and voluntarily without evasion and showed full cooperation.”

On Sept. 18, the ICI issued a subpoena summoning Hernandez to attend the first hearing into the flood control controversy.

Hernandez is currently under the Senate’s custody in Pasay City after he was cited in contempt due to conflicting statements.

Among Hernandez’ alleged lavish lifestyle included visiting casinos and several luxury cars despite a monthly salary of just P70,000. 

Hernandez, along with former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, appeared before the Commission in connection with its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects in the first district of Bulacan.