Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is under renewed scrutiny after submitting a supplemental affidavit to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The affidavit outlines allegations of widespread kickbacks tied to flood control projects, but investigators flagged inconsistencies and the absence of supporting evidence, raising doubts about Bernardo’s credibility.
Officials Deny Allegations
Bernardo’s affidavit names several high-profile individuals—Senators Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Grace Poe, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, businessman Maynard Ngu, and former DPWH officials. The accused have all issued denials through official statements or public comments.
Villar dismissed the accusations as “fabricated,” while Poe stressed she had “never been involved in corruption” and even welcomed a full investigation. Estrada labeled the allegations “diversionary,” questioning why his name suddenly appeared in the supplemental affidavit. Senators Chiz Escudero and Nancy Binay also repudiated Bernardo’s claims, describing them as malicious and baseless.
Records from the ongoing review show that Bernardo later acknowledged his role in the DPWH kickback network, claiming he delivered supposed proceeds to Escudero, Revilla, Binay, and particularly to DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar—allegedly for Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. These assertions trace back solely to Bernardo’s sworn testimony.
According to Bernardo’s filings, he further identified businessman Maynard Ngu as a facilitator of the alleged scheme. His affidavit asserts that Ngu coordinated with him to move funds tied to flood control allocations, including handling an estimated P160 million in supposed kickbacks.
Cash-Only Laundering and Asset Accumulation
AMLC findings reviewed by investigators highlight a pattern of financial behavior consistent with laundering techniques. AMLC documents show that between 2020 and 2022, Bernardo abruptly shifted to cash-only transactions despite being a high-ranking government official—a move that eliminated any banking audit trail.
The AMLC’s assessment outlines that Bernardo controlled 39 bank accounts across 10 banks, held numerous life insurance policies, and accumulated 59 properties in Malolos, Bulacan. These assets, which appear disproportionate to his legitimate income, are being examined as potential violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Protected Witness Status and Credibility Questions
The Department of Justice confirmed that Bernardo entered the Witness Protection Program after his early retirement on August 15, 2025. However, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has held back on recommending charges against the officials he named, citing inconsistencies in the affidavit, missing documentation, and unverified claims.
While Bernardo portrays himself as a whistleblower, the combination of cash-based transactions, significant unexplained assets, and shifting testimony has prompted concerns among investigators that he may be attempting to shield himself from accountability by directing blame outward.
