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Advocates Philippines
Former DPWH Undersecretary Testifies To P130M 'Balato' In Mindoro Flood Control Case
Photo credit: Senate PH
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan on March 17 that he received ₱130 million described as a “token of gratitude” from former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy S. Co.
Bernardo appeared as a state witness in the malversation case involving Co and other officials over an allegedly substandard flood control and road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Alleged ‘Balato’ Payments
Bernardo told the anti-graft court that the money he received was linked to transactions within the DPWH and was routed through intermediaries connected to Co. While the total amount is reported as ₱130 million, specific details about how the funds were transmitted and their exact timing have not been publicly confirmed.
Prosecutors said his testimony could be key in tracing the alleged flow of public funds and shedding light on how the scheme operated. State witness accounts like Bernardo’s are crucial for understanding complex corruption cases.
Project Under Scrutiny
The case centers on a government-funded flood control and road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, which authorities allege was poorly executed despite millions of pesos allocated for its construction. Malversation charges have been filed against Co and other involved officials.
The Sandiganbayan continues to hear testimonies and examine evidence. Under Philippine law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Bernardo appeared as a state witness in the malversation case involving Co and other officials over an allegedly substandard flood control and road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Alleged ‘Balato’ Payments
Bernardo told the anti-graft court that the money he received was linked to transactions within the DPWH and was routed through intermediaries connected to Co. While the total amount is reported as ₱130 million, specific details about how the funds were transmitted and their exact timing have not been publicly confirmed.
Prosecutors said his testimony could be key in tracing the alleged flow of public funds and shedding light on how the scheme operated. State witness accounts like Bernardo’s are crucial for understanding complex corruption cases.
Project Under Scrutiny
The case centers on a government-funded flood control and road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, which authorities allege was poorly executed despite millions of pesos allocated for its construction. Malversation charges have been filed against Co and other involved officials.
The Sandiganbayan continues to hear testimonies and examine evidence. Under Philippine law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mar 17, 2026
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