MANILA — The Senate has launched a probe into one of its own employees after a Secretariat staffer was implicated in the alleged flood control kickbacks scandal that recently dragged the names of senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that Divina Gracia V. Ramos, also known as “Beng Ramos,” has been directed to formally respond to the allegations.
“I’d be meeting with the concerned Secretariat officials today. Meanwhile, Ms. Ramos has been asked by BROOM (Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management) Director General Quimbo to submit her written comment/explanation,” Bantug said.
The controversy erupted after former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez testified before the House, claiming that senators and DPWH officials benefitted from irregularities in flood control projects.
Estrada’s office swiftly sought to clear his name, distancing itself from Ramos. His chief of staff, Racquel Mejia, wrote Bantug to underscore that the senator has never employed anyone by that name.
“Based on records, during the entire stint of Senator Estrada since 2004, we did not have in our plantilla any staff by the said name. She was never authorized to use the Senator’s name nor to act in his behalf,” Mejia said.
However, Senate records confirmed that Ramos is employed under the Secretariat, specifically in the Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management, raising questions about her role. Estrada’s team urged a full investigation.
“We are therefore requesting your good office to conduct an investigation on this serious matter. If proven guilty of misrepresenting the Senator, we expect that she will be meted with the appropriate penalty,” Mejia added.
The allegations come amid renewed scrutiny of public works spending, with flood control projects again at the center of corruption claims. Both Estrada and Villanueva have denied wrongdoing, with Estrada hinting at possible legal action against those linking him to the scandal./PN
