The Joel Villanueva malversation complaint has taken a new turn after the Department of Justice granted the senator additional time to respond to allegations linked to alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted Senator Joel Villanueva additional time to answer a malversation complaint linked to alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan, giving the lawmaker until January 26 to submit his counter-affidavit, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the DOJ, Villanueva requested an extension to respond to one of the complaints stemming from the supposed misuse of public funds allocated for flood control initiatives in the province. The case forms part of a broader investigation into claims that several projects were either non-existent or grossly irregular, raising questions about accountability and the use of government resources intended to mitigate flooding risks in Bulacan.

Justice officials said the extension was granted to ensure due process and to allow the senator sufficient time to address the allegations thoroughly. The DOJ emphasized that granting additional time to respondents is a standard legal procedure, particularly in complex cases involving voluminous records and multiple transactions.

The malversation complaint revolves around accusations that public funds were released for flood control projects that were never implemented or were improperly executed. Investigators are examining whether government money was diverted, misused, or released without the required documentation and safeguards. Flood control projects have long been a sensitive issue in Bulacan, a province frequently affected by severe flooding during the rainy season.

Villanueva has previously denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that the accusations are politically motivated. He has stressed that he intends to cooperate fully with the investigation and will present evidence to refute the claims once his counter-affidavit is filed. His camp has also reiterated that the senator’s involvement in the questioned projects has been misrepresented.

The DOJ clarified that the extension does not indicate any ruling on the merits of the case. Prosecutors will evaluate the complaint and the counter-affidavit once all submissions are complete before determining whether there is probable cause to proceed with formal charges. Legal experts note that the resolution of such cases can take months, depending on the complexity of the evidence and the number of respondents involved.

Anti-corruption advocates have called for a thorough and transparent investigation, citing the importance of ensuring that public funds earmarked for disaster prevention and infrastructure are properly accounted for. Flood control projects, they argue, directly affect public safety and community resilience, making accountability crucial.

As the January 26 deadline approaches, attention remains focused on how the case will develop and whether additional respondents or related complaints may emerge. The DOJ has assured the public that it will handle the matter impartially and in accordance with the law, underscoring its commitment to uphold accountability while respecting the rights of all parties involved.