Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has linked several senators and lawmakers to alleged irregularities in project allocations, fund “commitments,” and cash deliveries tied to flood-control and infrastructure projects from 2005 to 2025.
Bernardo’s affidavit, read during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Friday, identified Senators Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, and former senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Grace Poe, and Nancy Binay. He alleged that their offices, aides, or intermediaries coordinated project lists or received supposed kickbacks from DPWH-funded programs. He said his statements were based on “personal knowledge, observations, and authentic records,” and expressed willingness to submit more documents.
He detailed a long relationship with Revilla dating back to 2005, alleging that in 2024 the senator asked for project lists “to help him in his national campaign” and agreed to a 25 percent commitment. Bernardo claimed he prepared PHP1.45 billion worth of projects and delivered about PHP125 million in cash packed in boxes.
For Poe, Bernardo said her staff member JV Dela Rosa coordinated a PHP500 million project request in 2024 and that a contractor known as Mrs. Patron collected a 20 percent commitment at a hotel. He claimed the project list later appeared in the 2025 budget.
Regarding Binay, he alleged that her aide Carleen Yap-Villa frequently requested project lists from 2018 to 2024, including sets worth PHP1.882 billion, PHP2.5 billion, and PHP1.672 billion. He said he received 3 percent of one project set and described alleged cash deliveries in Quezon City totaling at least PHP540 million.
Bernardo also linked Escudero through businessman Maynard Ngu, who allegedly coordinated fundraising and project requests. He claimed deliveries of PHP160 million and PHP120 million in early 2025 were turned over at locations connected to Ngu.
For Estrada, Bernardo alleged that in 2023 the senator sought PHP500 million from DPWH with an 18 percent commitment. He claimed he later delivered PHP213 million — representing 25 percent — to Estrada at a building in San Juan in 2025, which Estrada allegedly confirmed receiving.
Bernardo also mentioned project allocations for the districts of Reps. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy and Florida Robes, as well as arrangements involving resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, allegedly coursed through various DPWH engineers.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Panfilo Lacson said all affidavits, annexes, and testimonies will undergo review, stressing the probe will proceed “based on evidence, not personalities.” Bernardo said he is prepared to provide additional supporting information.
