Ex-DPWH exec admits Escudero, Revilla, Binay, Zaldy Co received ‘commissions’ from infra projects

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has named high-ranking lawmakers in the alleged P2.85 billion kickback scheme involving the flood control projects in Bulacan.

In a 32-page affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Bernardo cited Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Nancy Binay, along with House appropriations chair Zaldy Co, as among those who allegedly benefited from infrastructure allocations.

According to Bernardo, lawmakers typically secured 15% to 20% in commissions from project costs.

“Engr. Alcantara, from time to time, would collect and deliver the agreed 15% commitment to me, which I delivered or cause to be delivered to Usec. Olaivar in Magallanes, Makati, and other places,” his statement read.

Annexes attached to his affidavit identified specific projects, including P500 million worth of contracts linked to Revilla, while other documents associated with Binay, Escudero, and Co.

“Sometime in the year 2024, Senator Revilla and I met, where I gave him a list of projects given to me by Engr. Alcantara. Senator Revilla asked for a commitment, which I suggested and he then approved at 25% of the total amount of the projects,” Bernardo stated.

The projects were located in flood-prone areas such as Baliuag, Malolos, and Pulilan, which Bernardo said were either overpriced, poorly implemented, or riddled with irregularities.

He further described a “20-20-20-40” arrangement, in which project funds were divided among legislators, district engineers, regional officials, and national officers.

“According to Brice Hernandez, their sharing is 20-20-20-40 percent from these activities. My understanding is that they had prepared and signed documents for purposes of collecting payment, which they then apportioned the profits amongst themselves,” Bernardo said.

He then admitted that while he was aware of the projects, he did not participate in signing them.

“I categorically state that I have neither knowledge nor participation in these “business” activities, which were entirely done by Engr. Alcantara, Engr. Hernandez, Engr. Mendoza, and Engr. Domasig on their own,” Bernardo emphasized.

He resigned from the DPWH earlier this year and has requested inclusion in the Witness Protection Program, citing risks to his safety and that of his family.

Escudero, Revilla, Binay, and Co have yet to issue detailed public responses to Bernardo’s claims.