Bernardo seeks state witness status in flood control scam probe

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Executive Director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka disclosed Monday that former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has applied to become a state witness amid the government’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Hosaka said in a press briefing that this is the reason why the hearing with Bernardo was canceled for the fourth time.

He added that Bernardo mentioned in his letter that he applied under the WPP, explaining that there is a confidentiality clause prohibiting him from disclosing any information related to his application as a state witness.

Likewise, Bernardo submitted his second supplementary affidavit to the ICI—the same one he read before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last Friday, Nov. 14—where he identified several new lawmakers allegedly involved in the flood control scam.

Hosaka said the commission has received Bernardo’s letter and affidavit for review and inclusion in the ICI investigation, which is why the Monday hearing did not push through.

The former DPWH official is among those in the government and private contractors seeking to become state witnesses amid their involvement in the flood control scandal.

Once declared a state witness, an individual is completely freed from criminal liability.

Aside from Bernardo, contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, as well as DPWH district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, are already undergoing thorough evaluation to determine whether they qualify as state witnesses.