Ejercito, Bernardo confirm ‘selling of projects’ scheme in House

Senator JV Ejercito and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo confirmed earlier claims by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco that infrastructure projects were being sold in the House of Representatives.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, Ejercito asked Bernardo to explain Tiangco’s allegation that a scheme existed in the Lower House involving the peddling of infrastructure projects.

“Cong. Toby Tiangco said that there is a scheme at the Lower House in connection with the selling of projects. In your knowledge, can you explain to us how this happens?” Ejercito asked.

Ejercito noted that the Senate has no information about such a modus involving the sale of projects and pressed Bernardo to elaborate.

“Can you identify who are involved in the buy-and-sell of projects? You are under the witness protection program. Is it possible for you to tell the committee how this scheme runs—whether projects are being peddled or sold? Does this happen in the Senate, or only in the other chamber?” he added.

In response, Bernardo confirmed the existence of the scheme in the House of Representatives based on his knowledge and experience, though he did not name specific individuals.

“As far as I know, if there are things like this, the proponent asks the help of regional directors and district engineers regarding projects to be released in their districts or regions,” Bernardo said. “After that, there is a main proponent, and it is identified who released the project. Whoever released it is recognized as having authority over that project.”

He added that, in practice, negotiations often involve district engineers or regional directors, especially when proponents or contractors are not from the locality where the project is to be implemented.

Bernardo maintained that such arrangements were part of the system he was familiar with, but stopped short of identifying particular lawmakers or officials.

Earlier, Tiangco drew praise for his integrity after speaking out on controversial budget transactions involving Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Former Philippine representative to Taiwan and veteran political strategist Lito Banayo described Tiangco as a refreshing exception to traditional politics.

“Toby Tiangco is a revelation—not the usual trapo that we have come to associate with legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing, and so honest,” Banayo said.