Photo credit: Senate PH

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The widening probe into alleged anomalies within the government's flood control projects saw a major escalation today, as a former high-ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) came forward and implicated several prominent political figures. Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and submitted an affidavit detailing a scheme where a percentage of project funds allegedly went to various lawmakers and officials.

Bernardo explicitly named several figures as recipients of kickbacks or having been involved in the scheme: current Senator Chiz Escudero, former Senator Bong Revilla, former Senator Nancy Binay (now Makati City Mayor), Congressman Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol Party-list), and DepEd Undersecretary Trygve L. Olaivar. Bernardo claimed that these individuals or their known associates received a portion of the funds from flood control projects which they allegedly proposed or sponsored, citing personal knowledge and direct involvement in some of the transactions, even claiming to have personally delivered cash intended for one of the named officials.

The former DPWH official, who retired recently after a long career, is now seeking full inclusion in the government's Witness Protection Program (WPP). Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who was present at the Senate hearing, confirmed that Bernardo is already being treated as a "protected witness" and has been granted security while his affidavit is under evaluation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The explosive revelations shine a harsh spotlight on the multi-billion-peso flood control budget, raising serious questions about the systemic corruption that may have plagued critical infrastructure spending. The named officials have yet to issue a unified or comprehensive response to the specific allegations made by Bernardo, although some have previously denied any links to corruption in these projects. The investigation is expected to intensify as the DOJ begins its formal review of Bernardo's testimony and evidence.