Bernardo Reveals ‘Systemic Corruption,’ Links Lawmakers to Kickback Scheme

Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has accused several high-ranking government officials—including two former chairs of the Senate Committee on Finance and a former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—of involvement in an alleged multimillion-peso bribery and kickback scheme tied to infrastructure projects.

During Friday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Bernardo read his second supplemental affidavit, expanding his earlier testimony on alleged systemic corruption inside the DPWH.

Alleged Kickback Scheme During Villar’s DPWH Tenure

Bernardo claimed that when Senator Mark Villar headed the DPWH, he supposedly instructed then-Undersecretary for Planning Maria Catalina Cabral to draw up a detailed list of infrastructure projects—including EDSA and major road maintenance—and prepare lump-sum funding proposals for higher approval.

According to Bernardo, commissions for approved projects allegedly reached 10%, divided among:

• 50% – for Carlo Aguilar, who he claimed acted as the courier for Villar

• 25% – for Maria Catalina Cabral

• 25% – for himself

  
  

He further alleged that former Finance Committee chairs Sonny Angara, now Education Secretary, and former Senator Grace Poe received kickbacks from contractors.

Alleged 20% Commitment for Grace Poe

Bernardo said a former Poe staff member, identified as JY Dela Rosa, negotiated with a contractor known as Mrs. Patron, who allegedly arranged a 20% cut for the senator.

“There was a 20% commitment collected for Sen. Grace Poe. Mrs. Patron collected the commitment for Sen. Grace Poe at Diamond Hotel from one of my aides,” Bernardo told the Senate panel.

Other Lawmakers Named

Bernardo also implicated:

• Sen. Francis Escudero

• Sen. Jinggoy Estrada

• Former Sen. Nancy Binay

• Former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

  
  

He added that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan allegedly received “substantial kickbacks.”

Strong Denials from Accused Lawmakers

Senator Mark Villar immediately dismissed the accusations:

“I vehemently and categorically deny the accusations made today in the Blue Ribbon Committee. These are outright lies.”

Senator Grace Poe likewise refuted the claims, calling them distressing and baseless:

“I’m saddened by all the recent reports. I trust that the DOJ will look into this string of accusations. I support the investigations, which is why I was the first to attend the ICI proceedings. It’s alarming that my name was mentioned today. I have never been involved in corruption—this I can say clearly to all Filipinos.”

Former Senator Nancy Binay and Education Secretary Sonny Angara have earlier denied similar allegations from Bernardo.

Ongoing Senate Probe

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to investigate the broader controversy surrounding alleged “ghost” flood control projects and supposed systemic irregularities within DPWH. Bernardo’s testimony has widened the scope of the probe and intensified calls for corroboration, documentation, and deeper verification of his claims.