FLOOD CONTROL MESS: BERNARDO COMMITS TO REFUND P1 BILLION TO GOV’T

Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, now a state witness, has pledged to return around P1 billion to the government as part of his restitution requirement for admission into the Witness Protection Program.

During a Sandiganbayan hearing on the malversation case involving former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Bernardo alleged that Revilla had a total project allocation of P1.5 billion in the Department of Public Works and Highways and received about P500 million in commitments.

The court questioned Bernardo’s credibility and the extent of his restitution, with him confirming he has already returned about half of the required amount.

Bernardo’s statements were also challenged by testimony from a former district engineer, who denied that he received commissions in certain projects, prompting the court to question the consistency of the claims.

The witness maintained that there were other transactions involved beyond those discussed in the case.

Source: PhilNews24 | April 25, 2026