The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of malversation charges against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez in connection with alleged irregularities involving public funds.
The recommendation came as part of the bureau’s report on anomalous flood control projects that have been under scrutiny in recent Senate and NBI investigations. Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier linked Escudero, Binay, and several other lawmakers and officials to questionable transactions, saying he personally witnessed or facilitated the transfer of cash commissions from project allocations.
In his testimony, Bernardo claimed that Maynard Ngu—described as Escudero’s campaign contributor and close friend—accepted around ₱160 million on the senator’s behalf. He further alleged that a 15% share, amounting to roughly ₱37 million, was turned over to Binay through her staff and later delivered to her at a residence in Quezon City.
The report also cited congressional involvement, with Bernardo testifying that similar arrangements were made with other officials, including commitments and cash deliveries coursed through engineers at the DPWH.
The NBI’s recommendation elevates the controversy into a potential legal battle as it formally seeks to hold the three officials accountable through malversation charges.
Both Escudero and Binay have denied the accusations, branding them as baseless and politically motivated. Escudero insisted there is a “well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate,” stressing: “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.”
Binay, meanwhile, said she was shocked by the claims. In a Facebook post, she declared: “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.”
