A former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implicated several lawmakers and district engineers in alleged commission schemes and ghost projects involving billions of pesos in flood control funds.
In an affidavit submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, Roberto Bernardo detailed a “20-20-20-40” profit-sharing arrangement reportedly carried out by engineers from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office using other contractors’ licenses. He named former Bulacan 1st Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez as the key figure behind the scheme.
Bernardo alleged that Maynard Ngu, a campaign contributor of former Senate president Francis Escudero, received PHP160 million, or 20 percent of an PHP800-million allocation for projects in Valenzuela and Marinduque. Escudero denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
“I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos…he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter—and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement,” Escudero said, adding that the claims were part of a “well-orchestrated plan” to discredit the Senate.
Bernardo also claimed that former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. received about PHP125 million, while then-senator and now Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay had a 15-percent “commitment” amounting to roughly PHP37 billion worth of projects. He further alleged that Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co sought a 25-percent commission from projects, with 2 percent shared among officials.
“Ang mga pahayag ko ay nakabatay sa personal na kaalaman at mga dokumento na hawak ko. Handa rin akong magsumite ng karagdagang affidavit kung kinakailangan,” Bernardo said, adding that he is seeking protection after exposing the scheme.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ would process Bernardo’s affidavit and evaluate his request for inclusion in the Witness Protection Program.
