The camp of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan assistant engineer Brice Hernandez clarified that his application as a state witness under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) remains pending.

RH Jecelle Ricafort reported, Hernandez legal counsel, Atty. Raymund Fortun told DZRH News, his client is not insisting on being granted state witness status, but emphasized that Hernandez’s application is still awaiting action.

According to Fortun, both Hernandez and former DPWH engineer Jaypee Mendoza filed their applications when they first submitted their “tell-all” affidavits to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Fortun also underscored that Hernandez fully admits to his involvement in the alleged Bulacan flood control mess and has accepted the consequences of his actions.

He added that Hernandez understands the need for restitution.

However, the decision on whether the ex-DPWH engineer may be discharged as a state witness rests with the individual courts where the cases have been filed, in accordance with Section 17, Rule 119 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla earlier stated that Hernandez is no longer pushing to become a state witness and is now considered a “cooperative witness.”

Currently, Hernandez, along with other former DPWH engineers and contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya, are in Senate custody.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Hernandez and other DPWH officials.