_1.jpeg)
Investigative Update: Who is Roberto Bernardo and What’s Going on with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Flood-Control Scandal?
Who Is Roberto Bernardo?
Roberto R. Bernardo is a former Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who oversaw operational programs, infrastructure execution, and flood-control projects in various Philippine regions.
Before the controversy erupted, Roberto Bernardo served in a high-level role managing infrastructure allocations, implementation, and coordination with regional DPWH offices and contractors.
However, in 2025, his name became nationally prominent after he admitted involvement in alleged corruption, and subsequently exposed what he claims is a widespread kickback scheme linked to DPWH flood-control projects.
THE DPWH FLOOD-CONTROL SCANDAL: WHAT HAPPENED?
In 2024-2025, the Philippine DPWH was thrust into the spotlight over allegations of ghost projects, overpriced flood-control allocations, and systematic kickbacks involving lawmakers, project engineers, and ranking officials.
Roberto Bernardo became the whistleblower after submitting multiple affidavits detailing how funds were allegedly distributed.
Key Allegations Made by Roberto Bernardo
Roberto Bernardo testimonies, submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, outline several explosive accusations:
1. Kickbacks Delivered in Cash Boxes
Roberto Bernardo described delivering ₱125 million packed inside six cardboard boxes and a paper bag, allegedly representing “commitment fees” linked to DPWH flood-control allocations.
2. A Standard 25% Kickback Scheme
He claimed a 25% committed amount was expected from certain infrastructure allocations. In one instance, he says he delivered ₱213 million as part of this arrangement.
3. High-Ranking Officials Named
In his latest supplemental affidavit, Roberto Bernardo implicated several:
- Sen. Jinggoy Estrada
- Sen. Grace Poe
- Sen. Mark Villar (also former DPWH Secretary)
- Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan
- Former Sen. Nancy Binay
- Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero
- Additional lawmakers and local officials (names still emerging)
Roberto Bernardo insists he has decided to “come clean,” stressing he offers no excuses for his own involvement.
LATEST UPDATES AS OF NOVEMBER 2025
As of mid-November 2025, new developments are still unfolding:
✓ More Senators Tagged (Nov 14–15, 2025)
Roberto Bernardo updated his affidavit, naming additional senators linked to alleged flood-control anomalies. The Senate has confirmed ongoing verification of documents and testimony.
✓ Ex-Sec. Manuel Bonoan Directly Named
Roberto Bernardo implicated Bonoan, claiming certain project allocations were approved under internal agreements involving kickback expectations.
✓ DPWH Officials Under Scrutiny
Regional directors, district engineers, and budget officers are being reviewed as part of a widening investigation.
✓ Images of “Boxes of Cash” Go Viral
Multiple news organizations described the cash deliveries, intensifying public demand for transparency.
✓ Senate Blue Ribbon Hearings Continue
Lawmakers named in the affidavits have started issuing public denials, calling Bernardo’s claims “baseless” and “politically motivated.”
WHY THIS SCANDAL MATTERS
1. It Impacts Disaster Preparedness
Flood-control projects protect millions of Filipinos. Any misuse of funds risks severe flooding and infrastructure failure.
2. Billions in Government Funds Are at Stake
The DPWH receives one of the largest annual budgets in the Philippines, especially for local infrastructure programs (LIPs) and flood mitigation.
3. This Could Trigger the Biggest DPWH Overhaul in Decades
If proven true, this case may lead to:
- Project suspensions
- Budget recalibrations
- Engineering office reshuffling
- Anti-corruption policy updates
4. Political Ramifications
With multiple senators named, the controversy could influence:
- Legislative investigations
- 2025-2026 budget hearings
- Public confidence in major political figures
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
2024
Concerns emerge regarding inconsistencies in flood-control project execution.
Early 2025
Senate begins initial hearings involving DPWH officials.
September 2025
Roberto Bernardo first appears in Senate hearings and admits involvement.
October 2025
Additional evidence and supplemental affidavits submitted.
November 2025
Roberto Bernardo names more lawmakers; photos, testimonies, and recorded statements surface across multiple news outlets.
RESPONSE FROM THOSE ACCUSED
Most lawmakers have denied involvement, stating:
- Roberto Bernardo is “misleading the Senate.”
- “No cash deliveries took place.”
- The allegations are “fabricated” or “politically motivated.”
DPWH officials named in the affidavit also deny involvement.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
1. Senate to File Subpoenas for More Evidence
This includes CCTV footage, bank activity, communications, and DPWH project logs.
2. COA (Commission on Audit) to Review Flood-Control Expenditures
Special audits may cover 2022–2025 allocations.
3. Potential Ombudsman Cases
If evidence supports Bernardo’s claims, criminal and administrative cases could follow.
4. Possible Reforms in DPWH
Expect stricter monitoring, document validation, and project audits moving forward.
FAQs (SEO-Optimized)
Who is Roberto Bernardo?
- Roberto R. Bernardo is a former DPWH Undersecretary who admitted involvement in and exposed an alleged kickback scheme tied to flood-control projects.
What is the DPWH flood-control scandal?
- A controversy involving alleged ghost projects, overpriced allocations, and systematic kickbacks in flood-control budgets.
Which senators were named by Bernardo?
- Jinggoy Estrada, Grace Poe, Mark Villar, Nancy Binay, Chiz Escudero, and others were mentioned in various affidavits.
What did Bernardo say about the cash boxes?
- He claims he delivered P125M in boxes and bags as “commitment fees” for project allocations.
Is the investigation ongoing?
- Yes. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to collect documents and testimonies.
CONCLUSION
The Roberto Bernardo DPWH scandal is one of the largest corruption allegations to hit Philippine infrastructure in recent years. With multiple senators, former officials, and DPWH leaders implicated, the case continues to evolve daily.
As investigations progress, this story remains central to discussions on infrastructure governance, public accountability, and political integrity in the Philippines.
.jpg)
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
0 Comments