Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo named several lawmakers and officials during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, linking them to questionable flood control projects flagged as anomalous or nonexistent.
In his affidavit, Bernardo alleged that funds were delivered as commissions in exchange for project approvals. He claimed that Maynard Ngu, described as a close friend and campaign contributor of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, facilitated arrangements. “After inclusion of the projects in the GAA, I delivered 20% of approximately P800 million or about P160 million to Maynard Ngu which was meant for Senator Escudero,” Bernardo testified, adding that he personally made cash deliveries to Ngu’s office.
Bernardo further alleged that Senator Nancy Binay’s staff sought a 15% “commitment,” which he said was eventually turned over in cash at a Quezon City residence. “Engineer Alcantara collected the 15% commitment, or about P37 million, which was turned over to me and which I then delivered to Senator Binay,” he said.
Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co was also implicated. Bernardo recounted that Co asked if district engineer Henry Alcantara was “easy to talk to” before pressing for a 25% share, with a 2% cut allegedly going to Alcantara and himself.
Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was tagged in a similar scheme. According to Bernardo, Revilla approved a 25% commitment on projects in 2024. He claimed about P125 million was collected and later delivered to the senator’s residence in Cavite.
Bernardo also pointed to Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, saying he was asked to submit a P2.85 billion list of projects tied to unprogrammed funds. He alleged that a 15% share was agreed upon and later delivered in several tranches.
Aside from lawmakers, Bernardo mentioned Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, noting that Lipana had sought connections with DPWH officers through his wife’s contracting activities. Bernardo said, however, that he had no direct knowledge if Lipana successfully secured projects.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla requested that Bernardo be brought to the Department of Justice for evaluation under the Witness Protection Program, a move approved by the Senate panel.
The National Bureau of Investigation has already recommended charges against Bernardo following earlier testimonies implicating him. Other names included in the NBI complaint are Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy, and Co.
The officials named in the hearing have since denied involvement. Escudero called the accusations a “well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate,” vowing to pursue charges against Bernardo. “I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo… and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement,” he said.
Binay expressed sadness and rejection of the claims, saying in a Facebook post: “Walang katotohanan ang mga bintang sa akin… Madaling magbigay ng mga mali at mapanirang salaysay. But my performance in public service has always been above board and beyond a shadow of doubt.”
Olaivar also denied the accusations, announcing that he would take a voluntary leave of absence while cooperating with investigators. “I welcome any investigation regarding this matter,” he said.
