Former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo may serve as a key witness in the Ombudsman’s case against lawmakers allegedly behind anomalous flood control budget insertions, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed.
Clavano said the testimony could expose a “systematic scheme in Congress” to channel public funds into ghost and overpriced projects, as prosecutors also build cases against former appropriations chair Zaldy Co and several district engineers.
Meanwhile, contractor spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya have lost their chance to become state witnesses after refusing to cooperate, and now face charges for malversation and falsification.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who recently revealed his recovery from leukemia, vowed renewed determination to pursue corruption cases with “full vigor and dedication.”
In a related issue, former SC Justice Adolf Azcuna said Ombudsman Samuel Martires could still be held administratively liable if proven to have ruled beyond a “reasonable time” on Sen. Joel Villanueva’s reversed dismissal case.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 28, 2025
