Revilla, Escudero, Estrada, others tagged in flood control scandal — all deny

The former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has identified three incumbent senators and two former senators as allegedly being connected to the controversial flood control fund scheme.

Before revealing their names at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing on the “Floodgates of Corruption” on Friday, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo said the disclosures in his Second Supplemental Affidavit were based on personal knowledge and supported by official DPWH records. He reiterated that the kickback system involving the collection and handoff of “commitments” to public officials was carried out without any paper trail.

“I reiterate my deep remorse and guilt for what I have done, and I am now animated by an honest desire to help rectify the institutional defects in the systems and operations not only of DPWH but also other government agencies, and help in developing lasting and meaningful reforms,” Bernardo said.

Revilla first to be named

Bernardo alleged that his “kumpare,” former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, demanded a 25-percent commission from a list of infrastructure projects totaling P1.5 billion, supposedly for campaign use in 2024. He added that Revilla received P250 million in kickbacks. Revilla did not make it to the Magic 12 in the last senatorial polls.

Grace Poe

Bernardo also alleged that then-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan told him that former Senator Grace Poe was allocated P500 million under the DPWH National Expenditure Program, with an alleged 20-percent commission arranged through Poe’s supposed staff, identified as JY Dela Rosa.

"There was a 20-percent commitment collected for Senator Grace Poe. Mrs. Patron, a contractor, collected the commitment for Sen. Grace Poe at the Diamond Hotel from one of my aides," Bernardo claimed.

Poe denied the allegation and said she has “never been involved in corruption,” which she could prove to Filipinos.

Escudero via Maynard Ngu

Bernardo alleged that former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero received 20 percent in kickbacks from DPWH flood control projects in Valenzuela, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, and Quezon City—amounting to P1.4 billion, or about P280 million in commissions. He said this was facilitated through businessman Maynard Ngu, identified as a campaign supporter.

Escudero’s legal counsel, Atty. Ramon Esguerra, rejected the claims.

"There is no direct evidence presented in the testimony of Bernardo linking Senator Chiz to any criminal act. Speculations and insinuations are not evidence. These are at best hearsay, lack basis, and are self-serving statements that will not stand in any court of law," Esguerra said.

Jinggoy Estrada

Bernardo also claimed that Senator Jinggoy Estrada sought P500 million worth of projects in 2023, later reduced to P450 million, with an alleged 18-percent commission. He said a further P1.45 billion was inserted into the 2025 GAA with a 25-percent “share” for Estrada—or about P360 million.

Estrada denied the allegations, saying: “The claim that I supposedly received a ‘percentage’ from these projects is baseless, reckless, and unsupported by any credible evidence whatsoever.”

Mark Villar

Bernardo alleged that “funding for projects was cleared by Usec. Cabral for approval by Sec. Mark Villar.” He said commissions from these projects were divided among Carlo Aguilar (presumably for Villar), Usec. Cabral, and himself.

Villar denied the allegations, calling them a “big lie,” and urged the public not to rush to judgment based on an affidavit that “may be manufactured or tailored to fit for his or other people’s convenience.”

Also implicated earlier—though denying involvement—was former senator and now Makati Mayor Nancy Binay.

Other officials named, Blue Ribbon Chair cautious

Bernardo also tagged several former and current House members—resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former Caloocan Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes—as well as officials from departments under the Executive Branch.

Senate Blue Ribbon Chair Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said portions of Bernardo’s statements were not fully convincing, particularly when the former DPWH official admitted he had no direct conversations with some of the senators he implicated, including Poe and Villar.

“That is all under consideration in the crafting of the Committee Report. … Kung wala kang ebidensyang pinanghahawakan, wag mo na lang banggitin o sabihin,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, the Discaya couple—linked to the alleged kickback ledger—was escorted by police and Senate security to retrieve the document from their home. The Senate said the ledger will undergo counterchecking.