MANILA — A former senior official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implicated sitting and former lawmakers in an alleged corruption scheme involving flood control and infrastructure projects.

Roberto Bernardo, former DPWH undersecretary, made the claims in a sworn affidavit during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday. He alleged that project funds were routinely subjected to “cuts” ranging from 15% to 25%, which he said were delivered in cash to politicians or their intermediaries.

Chiz Escudero and Maynard Ngu

Bernardo admitted he was close to businessman Maynard Ngu, a campaign contributor of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. He said Ngu once asked him to submit a list of projects for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act.

“After inclusion of the projects in the GAA, I delivered 20 percent of approximately ₱800 million, or about ₱160 million, which was meant for Senator Escudero,” Bernardo said.

“I personally submitted a list of projects to Maynard Ngu, and some of the items therein pertaining to Valenzuela and Marinduque projects were subsequently included in the General Appropriations Act. When I gave him the list and in relation to the commitment, I asked him, ‘Boss, paano to?’ Maynard replied, ‘bahala ka na.’ I asked, ‘Boss, okay na ba ang 20%?’ Maynard said, ‘okay.’ I would like to add that deliveries of cash were personally made by me to Maynard Ngu at his office in Manila.”

Escudero’s 2022 campaign report shows Ngu donated ₱30 million to his campaign.

Senator Escudero denied the allegations:

“I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo in today’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter — and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement.”

Zaldy Co

Bernardo also named Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

“My first encounter with Cong. Zaldy Co was when the lawmaker personally called me to ask whether former DPWH Undersecretary Alcantara was reasonable to talk to—to which I said ‘yes,’” he said.

“Engr. Alcantara then told me that Cong. Zaldy Co was asking for 25 percent commission, and that amount 2 percent was to be shared between Alcantara and myself. Furthermore, Engr. Alcantara would tell me every time that he made deliveries of cash to Cong. Zaldy Co, in compliance with his commitment.”

Trygve Olaivar

Bernardo alleged that Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar also became involved.

“Sometime in 2024, Usec. Olaivar personally called me for a meeting to discuss unprogrammed appropriations supposedly for the office of the Executive Secretary,” he said. “In the said meeting, he requested me to submit a list of projects… thereafter Engr. [Henry] Alcantara submitted a list of projects worth ₱2.85 billion.”

Bernardo said they agreed on a 15% cut: “I later delivered the amount to Olaivar in Makati and other locations.”

Olaivar denied the allegations:

“I deny the allegations made and want to state clearly that I welcome any investigation regarding this matter. To allow a fair inquiry, I will voluntarily take a leave of absence from my post and am ready to fully cooperate with any and all proceedings.”

Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay

On former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Bernardo said:

“Sen. Revilla asked for a commitment, which I suggested, then he approved at 25 percent of the total amount of projects indicated in the list. I relayed the 25 percent commitment to Engr. Alcantara and told him that Sen. Revilla will appreciate additional contributions for his senatorial re-election bid.”

He claimed ₱125 million was personally delivered to Revilla in Cavite.

On former senator Nancy Binay, Bernardo said:
“Sometime in the year 2024, Carleen Villa [Binay’s aide] called me and asked for a commitment which was set at 15 percent of the total amount of the projects indicated in the list.”

“DPWH engineer Alcantara collected 15% commitment or about ₱37 million which was turned over to me and which I then delivered to senator Binay at a house in Quezon City.”

Binay responded:

“Nagugulat at nalulungkot ako na dinadamay ako sa mga anomalya ng DPWH. Walang katotohanan ang mga bintang sa akin. Tahimik po tayong nagtatrabaho bilang Mayor ng Makati. Nakakagulat na nagagamit tayo para ipanglihis sa mga tunay na kailangan panagutin sa issue na ito.”

Mario Lipana

Bernardo also claimed that Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana had asked to be introduced to DPWH officials in Bulacan through engineer Brice Hernandez.

However, Bernardo clarified that he was unaware if Commissioner Lipana obtained any project contracts.