Ex-DPWH Engineer Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Luxury Watch and Alleged Scam

Brice Hernandez, once an engineer for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and previously accused of embezzling funds from fictitious flood-control initiatives, has come under renewed public scrutiny after a resurfaced interview went viral online.

The focus of attention was not Hernandez's statements concerning flood management in Bulacan, but rather the expensive Audemars Piguet watch valued at around ₱2 million prominently displayed on his wrist. During a contentious Senate hearing, lawmakers confronted Hernandez over his penchant for expensive timepieces, including brands such as Patek Philippe and allegedly Richard Mille. Although he acknowledged owning several luxury watches, Hernandez denied possessing an authentic Richard Mille, claiming his was a replica.

Additionally, senators alleged that Hernandez squandered nearly ₱500 million through gambling, funds which are believed to be linked to the fraudulent flood-control projects attributed to him.

Public reactions on social media highlighted outrage over the contrast between Hernandez’s extravagant lifestyle and the serious accusations against him. One user remarked, "If you work at the DPWH these days, you should be afraid of the public's wrath! Hernandez keeps misleading everyone while flaunting a million-peso Audemars Piguet watch!"