Villanueva Embroiled in Corruption Scandal as Ombudsman Revives Dismissal Order

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and Sen. Joel Villanueva

Villanueva Embroiled in Corruption Scandal as Ombudsman Revives Dismissal Order

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 23, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Joel Villanueva’s political career teeters on the brink as the Ombudsman resurrects a long-dormant dismissal order linked to the alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF).

This dramatic development coincides with new corruption allegations that surfaced during a recent House hearing, intensifying scrutiny of the senator’s conduct in public office.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced his intention to enforce the 2016 dismissal order, initially issued by then-Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

The order stems from Villanueva’s alleged administrative liability in the anomalous disbursement of P10 million in PDAF funds during his tenure as a Cibac party-list representative.

Despite the Senate’s previous reluctance to implement the order, citing jurisdictional concerns, Remulla is poised to challenge this resistance.

“We will try to enforce it now,” Remulla declared in an interview, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability.

“We will write a letter to the Senate president and ask him to enforce that order.”

The timing of Remulla’s announcement is particularly damning.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) first district assistant engineer Jaypee Mendoza testified before a House tri-committee that Villanueva allegedly solicited P1.5 billion from a Bulacan district engineer for a multi-purpose building project.

While the allocation was ultimately reduced to P600 million, former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez further testified that Villanueva allegedly received a staggering 30 percent in kickbacks as a “standard operating procedure (SOP).”

These allegations, if proven true, paint a disturbing picture of systemic corruption and abuse of power.

Villanueva has vehemently denied all accusations.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has reportedly requested the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against Villanueva, suggesting a growing concern that the senator may attempt to flee the country.

The confluence of the revived dismissal order and the fresh corruption allegations presents a formidable challenge to Villanueva’s political future.

The Ombudsman’s renewed resolve to enforce the dismissal order could establish a crucial precedent, sending a clear message that no member of Congress is above the law and that accountability for alleged corruption will be pursued relentlessly.