Ex-DPWH Official Accuses Senators Escudero, Revilla, and Binay of Receiving Kickbacks

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has accused Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., and Senator Nancy Binay of profiting from irregularities in DPWH infrastructure deals.

Bernardo claims Senator Escudero received a 20 percent commission on projects totaling approximately PHP 800 million, amounting to around PHP 160 million. These payments were allegedly funneled through Maynard Ngu, identified as a close associate and campaign donor of Escudero. Bernardo stated, "deliveries of cash were personally made by me to Maynard Ngu at his office in Manila."

The former official also implicated Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, formerly a staff member for Senators Revilla and Sonny Angara (now DepEd secretary). Bernardo revealed that Olaivar requested a list of unprogrammed projects supposedly for the Office of the Executive Secretary in 2024. A portfolio of projects valued at PHP 2.85 billion was submitted, resulting in the release of Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) for the same amount.

According to Bernardo, Engineer Henry Alcantara periodically collected and delivered a 15 percent commission to him, which he then passed on to Olaivar at various locations including Makati. He further recounted a meeting with Senator Revilla in 2024 where Revilla approved a 25 percent commission on projects submitted by Alcantara. Bernardo said the 25 percent cut, approximately PHP 125 million, was handed over to Revilla at his home in Cavite.

In addition, Bernardo alleged delivering PHP 37 million, representing a 15 percent commission, to Senator Binay at a residence in Quezon City. This demand came through Carleen Villa, described as a trusted staff member and confidante of Binay.

These serious allegations were detailed in Bernardo's sworn affidavit submitted during the sixth hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, intensifying scrutiny over alleged corruption linked to major government infrastructure initiatives.