Photo credit: DBM

Corruption in Philippine government is nothing new. But the allegations surrounding Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar and Special Envoy to China Maynard Ngu highlight concerns about how insiders may potentially exploit public funds, leveraging political and business connections.

The scandal is striking because it intertwines politics, commerce, and state machinery, leaving ordinary citizens to shoulder the real cost.

Olaivar is a seasoned political operator. He worked under Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, then the late Senator Edgardo Angara, and now serves under former Senator and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Ngu, meanwhile, is a businessman with a sprawling enterprise, including Cosmic Technologies (Cherry Mobile) and Cork Wine Bar, and maintains professional ties to Senator Chiz Escudero.

Together, they illustrate how loyalty and connections can influence access to resources and decision-making.

The issue came to wider attention with the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Bernardo named Olaivar and Ngu in the context of alleged kickbacks from major infrastructure projects, describing how funds moved through government channels.

Bernardo revealed that Olaivar personally requested a list of projects for funding, reportedly for the Executive Secretary’s office.

Remarkably, about a month after the list was submitted, the projects were funded and the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) from DBM was issued, a speed that raised questions among observers about how access and approvals were managed.

Before any cash was handed over, both allegedly discussed how projects could be structured to allow commissions, with Olaivar reportedly taking 15% of a ₱2.85-billion list and Ngu 20% of nearly ₱800 million tied to Escudero-linked projects, according to Bernardo’s testimony.

Following this, Bernardo reportedly delivered the agreed percentages: Olaivar’s 15% in Magallanes, Makati, and other locations, and Ngu’s 20% in his Manila office.

This sequence, as described in testimony, illustrates how insiders coordinated with business actors in moving project allocations.

Ngu’s ability to coordinate with projects is less surprising given his ties to Escudero.

Olaivar’s role, however, raises questions: who facilitated his access to funds, and what connections allowed the projects to be processed so quickly?

Sources note Olaivar’s long-standing professional relationship with DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, dating back to their days in the Angara office.

Observers suggest this relationship may have contributed to smoother processing of the funding.

Now that flood control funding for 2026 is being transferred to DepEd, questions naturally arise about oversight and safeguards, given past concerns raised in Bernardo’s Senate testimony.

Citizens and watchdogs will be watching closely to see if lessons are applied.

The situation points to a larger issue: the intertwining of political networks and business interests can create perceived conflicts of interest and challenges to transparency.

It also reflects on the importance of presidential vetting. That officials connected to past controversies hold high government positions raises questions about the appointment process and public confidence in governance.

Education Secretary Angara now faces a critical moment. Allegations involving his undersecretary may affect departmental credibility.

At this stage, resignation could be the clearest way to demonstrate accountability, while suspension would be a temporary measure.

In the end, the controversy is not just about individuals, it highlights systemic challenges in ensuring transparency and fairness.

Until appointments reward competence over connections and oversight is enforced, Filipinos may continue facing the consequences of mismanaged funds and eroded trust.

Resignation by the officials involved would be a strong signal that accountability matters and that no one is above the law. Only then can the public begin to restore faith in institutions meant to serve them.

Sa huli, ang mga ginawa diumano nina Usec. Olaivar at Ngu, ayon sa ulat at testimonya ni Bernardo, ay nagdulot ng seryosong epekto sa integridad ng pamahalaan.

Walang 3 gives! Resign agad, Now na!

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 35 years of experience in corporate, government, and advocacy communications, spanning the terms of seven Philippine presidents. He is also a political analyst, entrepreneur, and media professional. Drawing on this experience, he delivers clear, accessible analysis of political, governance, and business issues.