Brice Hernandez and six others from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office pleaded "not guilty" to graft charges over an alleged P77 million ghost flood control project in Balagtas, Bulacan.

The accused entered their pleas before the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday, September 30, in connection with the case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to a report of RH Val Gonzales on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.

Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, who is currently a fugitive, is also named as a co-accused in the case.

Hernandez and the two Mendozas have been dismissed from government service, while the four other respondents are currently under floating status.

During the arraignment, the defense pointed out that the information stated that “no bail is recommended,” despite graft being a bailable offense.

In response, the prosecution asked the court to amend the information and set bail at P90,000 for each accused.

Watch the full report below: