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Advocates Philippines
Bernardo Says P500M Delivered To Revilla
Photo credit: Senate PH
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan that he personally delivered and arranged cash transactions totaling ₱500 million for former senator Ramon Revilla Jr..
Appearing before the court’s Third Division, Bernardo said he personally delivered ₱125 million in December 2024, bringing six boxes and one paper bag of cash to Revilla’s residence. He added that he made another personal delivery of ₱125 million in March 2025, again packed in six boxes.
For the February 2025 transaction, Bernardo told the court he instructed his aide, Vergel Niño Garcia, to deliver ₱250 million contained in 13 boxes to the same residence. He described the total amount as a “commitment fee.”
Bernardo served as the prosecution’s final witness in the bail hearing of Revilla and his co-accused, who are facing a malversation case linked to an alleged ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. He had earlier missed a scheduled hearing due to a respiratory illness.
The defense challenged the testimony, with Revilla’s lawyer, Reody Anthony Balisi, arguing that the claims do not establish a direct link between his client and the alleged transactions. He maintained that aside from statements by Bernardo and his associates, no independent evidence has been presented.
Balisi also asserted that Revilla is being unfairly targeted in the case.
Revilla previously faced plunder and multiple graft charges in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) controversy in 2014, one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving lawmakers in recent years.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to rule on the bail petition as proceedings continue.
Appearing before the court’s Third Division, Bernardo said he personally delivered ₱125 million in December 2024, bringing six boxes and one paper bag of cash to Revilla’s residence. He added that he made another personal delivery of ₱125 million in March 2025, again packed in six boxes.
For the February 2025 transaction, Bernardo told the court he instructed his aide, Vergel Niño Garcia, to deliver ₱250 million contained in 13 boxes to the same residence. He described the total amount as a “commitment fee.”
Bernardo served as the prosecution’s final witness in the bail hearing of Revilla and his co-accused, who are facing a malversation case linked to an alleged ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. He had earlier missed a scheduled hearing due to a respiratory illness.
The defense challenged the testimony, with Revilla’s lawyer, Reody Anthony Balisi, arguing that the claims do not establish a direct link between his client and the alleged transactions. He maintained that aside from statements by Bernardo and his associates, no independent evidence has been presented.
Balisi also asserted that Revilla is being unfairly targeted in the case.
Revilla previously faced plunder and multiple graft charges in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) controversy in 2014, one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving lawmakers in recent years.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to rule on the bail petition as proceedings continue.
Apr 24, 2026
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