Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has named several lawmakers and officials allegedly involved in a DPWH kickback scheme during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
In his sworn statement, Bernardo implicated Senator Chiz Escudero, former Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, Congressman Elizaldy Co, and Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
Bernardo disclosed that former District Engineer Henry Alcantara told him Congressman Co demanded a 25% commission from a project, with 2% to be split between Bernardo and Alcantara.
He added that Alcantara would notify him whenever delivering money, referring to it as a “commitment” for the congressman.
Bernardo also claimed he personally handed P160 million—20% of an P800 million government project—to Escudero’s friend and campaign contributor, allegedly intended for the senator.
He recounted submitting a list of projects to Maynard Ngu, including those for Valenzuela and Marinduque, which were later included in the General Appropriations Act.
Bernardo said that in 2024, he met with Revilla and gave him a project list from Alcantara, after which Revilla requested and approved a 25% commission, estimated at P125 million.
He explained that he received the collected funds from Alcantara and delivered them to Revilla’s residence in Cavite, noting the money was also meant to support Revilla’s Senate re-election bid.
Bernardo further revealed that in 2024, Carleen Villa, a staff member and close ally of Senator Binay, contacted him regarding a 15% commitment from a project worth P37 million.
He stated that he delivered the money collected by Alcantara to Binay at a house in Quezon City.
Olaivar was also implicated, with Bernardo saying that before becoming DepEd Undersecretary, Olaivar worked in the offices of former Senators Revilla and Angara.
In 2024, Olaiver allegedly called Bernardo to discuss Unprogrammed Appropriations for the Office of the Executive Secretary and requested a list of projects.
Bernardo complied and asked the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office to prepare the list, which Alcantara valued at P2.85 billion.
According to Bernardo, Olaiver indicated a 15% commitment, amounting to P427.5 million.
Bernardo concluded that Alcantara collected and delivered the funds to him, which he then handed over or arranged to be delivered to Olaiver in Magallanes, Makati, and other locations.