Metro Manila, Philippines — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo revealed details on the alleged kickback scheme in flood control projects on Friday, November 14, implicating more senators in the mess.
In his second supplemental affidavit during the Senate Blue Ribbon probe, Bernardo recounted his past dealings with former senators and admitted to helping distribute their alleged cuts.
Bernardo detailed the system he had with incumbent Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former senators Sonny Angara, Mark Villar, Grace Poe, and several other officials.
The former DPWH executive earlier tagged Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, former senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in his first sworn statement in September.
Grace Poe
In his narrations, Bernardo claimed that the transactions with Poe were made through a supposed representative and a contractor who allegedly collected the money at a hotel in Manila.
He said he was instructed to “accomodate her (Poe) in the DPWH NEP (National Expenditure Program)” for 2025. Bernardo claims that Poe received ₱500 million.
Poe served as Senate Finance Committee chairperson during the budget hearing for 2025.
Sonny Angara
Bernardo also clarified his statement from September, now implicating Angara in the infrastructure kickback system as opposed to only tagging Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar as the executive involved.
He claimed Angara allegedly received a 12% cut from projects facilitated through his representative.
In a X post, Angara rejected Bernardo’s allegations and denied any involvement in anomalous projects.
“In my 21 years in government we have never been involved in corruption,” Angara said.
Nancy Binay
Bernardo also added details about Binay’s involvement. He said Binay—through a representative—initially asked for a 12% cut, which was later raised to 15% in various projects.
He also alleged that there was a time when Binay requested an advance of ₱50 million supposedly for holiday spending.
“Kinuha na ni sir… ‘hindi ka kakalimutan sa Makati, (Sir already has it…’You will not be forgotten in Makati),’’” Bernardo recalled, referring to Binay’s husband.
In response, Binay denied Bernardo’s claims in a Facebook post.
“Tahimik na po tayong nagtatrabaho bilang Mayor ng Makati (I am peacefully working as Makati’s Mayor),” she said. “I will not allow lies such as this to distract my focus in serving the people of Makati.”
Bong Revilla
In explaining Revilla’s involvement, Bernardo said the transaction took place in 2024 with the senator allegedly receiving a 25% cut from infrastructure projects.
He also recalled delivering around ₱125 million to Revilla’s residence in Cavite, which was packed inside boxes containing ₱20 million each and one small bag with ₱5 million.
Revilla has denied Bernardo’s allegations since his first affidavit, insisting that the claims are “absolutely untrue.”
“Truth will always prevail. God bless the Philippines,” the former senator said in a Facebook post after Bernardo’s narrative.
Jinggoy Estrada
Similar to Revilla, Bernardo said Estrada asked for a 25% cut from certain flood control projects inserted in the 2025 national budget.
According to Bernardo, Estrada told him: “Tulungan mo na lang ako riyan, marami pa akong tutulungan sa eleksyon (Help me with this, I still have a lot to help in the elections).”
Estrada did not attend the Senate probe and accompanied his father, former President Joseph Estrada, at the 90th anniversary celebration of the Office of the Vice President.
Francis Escudero
Bernardo claimed that former Senate President Escudero allegedly received around ₱280 million in kickbacks from flood control projects made with two cash deliveries: ₱160 million in an earlier transaction and ₱120 million this 2025.
According to the former DPWH official, most of his dealings with Escudero were facilitated by former special envoy to China Meynard Ngu.
Mark Villar
Bernardo also tagged former DPWH Secretary and incumbent Senator Mark Villar who supposedly handled his transactions via his cousin, who collected kickbacks on his behalf.
Bernardo claimed that in some projects, 50% of the kickback was presumed to go to Villar, while the remaining half was split between him and another undersecretary.
Villar denied all accusations made by Bernardo, asking the public to “be discerning and not to rush judgment” based on the official’s sworn statement which the senator claimed could be “manufactured.”
“I stand by my untarnished record as a long-serving public servant as a Representative, DPWH Secretary, and Senator of this Republic,” Villar said in a Facebook post.
NewsWatch Plus is reaching out to other officials for comment.
