Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has implicated incumbent Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay in the alleged kickback scheme involving flood control projects.
In his sworn affidavit presented during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, September 25, Bernardo detailed how funds from DPWH projects were allegedly funneled to legislators through intermediaries and direct deliveries.
Bernardo claimed that businessman Maynard Ngu, whom he described as a close friend of Escudero and one of his campaign contributors, served as the channel for kickbacks.
According to Bernardo, he personally submitted a list of projects to Ngu, some of which were later included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) covering Valenzuela and Marinduque.
He alleged that after the projects’ inclusion, he delivered 20 percent of their total cost—around ₱160 million out of ₱800 million—to Ngu’s office in Manila. The amount, Bernardo claimed, was intended for Escudero.
“After inclusion of the projects in GAA, I delivered 20% approximately 800 million or about 160 million to Maynard Ngu which was meant for Sen. Chiz Escudero. Deliveries of cash was personally made by me to Maynard Ngu to his office in Manila,” Bernardo stated.
Bernardo further alleged that in 2024, he met Revilla and presented him with a project list provided by former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara. Revilla supposedly asked for a 25 percent commitment, which Bernardo said amounted to ₱125 million.
He claimed the money, turned over by Alcantara, and delivered to Revilla’s residence in Cavite which was meant to support the senator’s campaign.
“Sometime in the year 2024, Sen. Bong Revilla and I met where I gave him a list given to me by Engr. Alcantara. Sen. Revilla asked for a commitment which I suggested then he approved at 25% for the total amount of projects indicated in the list.”
As for former senator Nancy Binay, Bernardo said he was contacted in 2024 by her staff, Carleen Villa, who allegedly sought a 15 percent commitment from DPWH projects.
Bernardo stated that Alcantara collected about ₱37 million, which he then delivered to Binay at a residence in Quezon City.
“I relay the 15% commitment to Engr. Alcantara. Engr. Alcantara collected 15% commitment or about 37 million which was turned over to me and which I then delivered to Sen. Binay at a house in Quezon City.”
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to verify Bernardo’s allegations. As of press time, Escudero, Revilla, and Binay have not issued public statements responding to the claims.
