Cash-for-Projects? Senators, Ex-Senators Deny Bernardo’s Testimony

MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has accused several lawmakers of involvement in alleged multimillion-peso kickback schemes from government infrastructure projects.

In his supplemental affidavit and testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Bernardo detailed supposed conversations, meetings, and cash deliveries implicating Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and former senator Nancy Binay.

Escudero and the Streetlight Projects

Bernardo alleged that Escudero pressed for additional streetlight projects in Sorsogon during a 2022 confirmation hearing for DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. He claimed that Escudero later provided a project list through his brother-in-law and reiterated his request in a private meeting in 2023. Bernardo said ₱160 million was delivered to Escudero in early 2025.

Escudero, however, strongly denied the accusation, calling the claims “baseless and politically motivated.” He said no such requests or cash deliveries ever happened.

Co and the 25% Commission

Bernardo testified that Rep. Zaldy Co demanded a 25 percent commission on infrastructure projects, with former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara serving as conduit. Bernardo admitted receiving a share of 2 percent from Alcantara.

Co has yet to release a fresh statement on the matter but has earlier dismissed related accusations as part of a smear campaign.

Revilla’s Alleged Campaign Fund

Bernardo also linked Revilla to a 25 percent “commitment” from projects in Bulacan. He said Alcantara collected around ₱125 million and that he personally delivered the funds to Revilla’s Cavite residence in 2024.

Revilla immediately denied the allegations, branding them as “recycled lies” meant to tarnish his name ahead of the 2025 elections. He stressed that he never authorized, received, or demanded commissions from any DPWH project.

Binay and Bulacan Flood-Control Projects

Bernardo claimed that Binay’s aide, Carleen Villa, negotiated a 15 percent kickback in 2024, totaling ₱37 million. He alleged that part of the money was delivered directly to Binay’s home in Quezon City.

Binay flatly denied the charges, saying she has “never asked for nor received a single centavo from any infrastructure project.” She described Bernardo’s statements as fabrications designed to malign her reputation.

Committee Action

The Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, is reviewing documentary evidence, including alleged project lists and testimonies from former DPWH officials, to determine the credibility of Bernardo’s claims.

While the testimonies paint a picture of widespread commission-taking in infrastructure projects, the firm denials from Escudero, Revilla, and Binay underscore the contentious nature of the allegations. The investigation is expected to continue with more witnesses and possible subpoenas for project documents and financial records.