World · Philippines Bureau
Ex-DPWH engineer, six others enter not guilty plea in graft case
Former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Hernandez and six co-accused pleaded not guilty to graft charges before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday. The defendants face allegations of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA—Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Brice Hernandez and six others entered not guilty pleas in their corruption case before the Sandiganbayan's fifth division on Wednesday. The group was formally charged with violating Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with their alleged involvement in an undisclosed transaction.
The accused appeared before the anti-graft court to enter their pleas as the legal proceedings continued. The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' specialized court for graft cases, will now move forward with examining evidence and hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The case marks another chapter in the government's ongoing efforts to address corruption allegations within state agencies. The DPWH, which oversees the country's infrastructure projects, has faced heightened scrutiny regarding procurement and implementation of public works contracts in recent years.
No further details regarding the specific allegations or the identities of the six co-accused were immediately disclosed. The court is expected to set subsequent hearings to determine the timeline for the case proceedings.