Ex-DPWH

Bernardo told the committee chaired by Senate President Pro-Tempore Panfilo Lacson.

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He also appealed to the Blue Ribbon committee for help in his application for inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP), as he expressed “regrets” for the “wrong” he did and for “lapses in my duty entrusted to me by the people and government.” He promised to fully cooperate with the government in its investigation.

“My statements are based on personal knowledge and direct interactions with the personalities involved. With great risk to my safety and that of my family members, I confirm the following,” Bernardo said.

“I attest to the broader systemic issues in DPWH that are widespread,” he added.

Bernardo alleged that he had facilitated 20 percent kickbacks or P160 million from Escudero’s P800 million worth of flood control and road network projects in Valenzuela City and in Marinduque through Maynard Ngu, reportedly Escudero’s “close friend and campaign contributor.”

Bernardo said the “deliveries of cash were personally made by me to Maynard Ngu at this office in Manila.”

In his supplemental affidavit, Bernardo alleged that he was “summoned” by Escudero to his office at the Senate in 2023, during the confirmation hearing of then DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, about a streetlights project in Sorsogon.

Meeting over wine

Bernardo said he met Escudero for a second time over wine and was told by the former Senate president: “Alam ko naman galawan niyo dyan sa DPWH. Okay naman ako. Sabihin mo kay Sec na magbaba sa akin (I know the goings on at the DPWH. It’s OK with me. Tell the Secretary to give me something.)”

The alleged P160 million delivery happened in the first quarter of 2025, Bernardo said, and that he had a “chance encounter” with Ngu and Escudero, who shook his hand to say “Thank you.”

Bernardo said he met Revilla in 2024 during which he gave the senator a list of projects provided by Alcantara.