Former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo admitted receiving P120 million from fugitive congressman Zaldy Co as “balato” from funds tied to alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Bernardo said he received the money in batches of P45 million in 2023, P50 million in 2024, and P25 million in 2025.
He claimed the amount represented one percent of the 25 percent kickbacks allegedly collected by Co from flood control project funds.
Bernardo and former Bulacan engineer Henry Alcantara reportedly each received one percent of the kickbacks.
Co, who remains at large, is facing a graft case over alleged irregularities in a P289.5-million flood dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 8, 2026
