DPWH NCR regional director Gerard Opulencia surrendered Php 40 million on Dec. 16, 2025. Photo courtesy of Ben Pulta/PNA.
Gerard Opulencia, former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR), told the Sandiganbayan that he had already returned Php 130 million to the government in connection with the malversation case involving former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Opulencia made the disclosure during a hearing on the bail petition of Revilla and several co-accused over the Pandi flood control project, which is part of the ongoing proceedings before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
He said he had committed to return Php 150 million as required under the Witness Protection Program, adding that the amount was part of the conditions for his inclusion as a state witness.
Opulencia also said he could not recall his exact net worth but estimated it at around Php 10 million based on his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.
During the hearing, Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson Associate Justice Karl Miranda questioned Opulencia’s financial declarations to test the consistency of his testimony.
Miranda asked why he agreed to return a large sum despite claiming he was not involved in illegal activity, pointing to possible inconsistencies in his statements.
Opulencia responded that the restitution was a requirement of the Witness Protection Program, which he voluntarily joined after being named in the case involving a Php 92.8 million flood control project in Pandi.
The judge reminded him that his immunity as a state witness was conditional and could be withdrawn if he provided false testimony, as the court continued to assess the credibility of his account.