Escudero, Revilla, Binay Implicated in Flood Control Kickback Allegations by Ex-DPWH Usec
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 25, implicating prominent lawmakers in an alleged flood control fund scam. He claimed that Senator Chiz Escudero and former senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay benefited from questionable government projects through kickbacks.
Allegations Against Senator Chiz Escudero
In his sworn affidavit, Bernardo alleged that he delivered ₱160 million in cash to businessman Maynard Ngu, a longtime friend and campaign donor of Escudero. The amount, he said, represented 20% of ₱800 million worth of flood control and road projects.
“I personally submitted a list of projects to Maynard Ngu, and some of the items therein pertaining to Valenzuela and Marinduque projects were subsequently included in the General Appropriations Act,” Bernardo said.
He added that when he asked Ngu if the 20% commitment was acceptable, Ngu confirmed it. According to Escudero’s 2022 campaign records, Ngu donated ₱30 million, making him one of the senator’s top contributors.
Bernardo’s affidavit also included Annex A, which listed two flood control and two road projects amounting to ₱800 million, allegedly tied to the arrangement.
Revilla’s Alleged 25% Share
Bernardo further testified that he met former senator Bong Revilla in 2024 in Makati. At the meeting, Revilla allegedly approved a commitment of 25% from listed projects.
According to Bernardo, the list was provided by former DPWH Bulacan 1st District engineer Henry Alcantara. He claimed that Revilla’s cut, amounting to ₱125 million, was intended to support the senator’s planned 2025 campaign.
“I personally delivered the money to Revilla’s residence in Cavite,” Bernardo said, adding that Annex C in his affidavit details two flood control projects worth ₱200 million and three others worth ₱300 million, all in Bulacan.
Allegations Involving Nancy Binay
Bernardo also implicated former senator Nancy Binay, saying her staff member Carline Villa, whom he described as a “trusted confidant,” requested a 15% commitment in 2024.
He said engineer Alcantara collected the agreed ₱37 million share, which Bernardo claimed he delivered directly to Binay at a residence in Quezon City. Annex D in his affidavit listed three flood control projects amounting to ₱250 million.
Broader Context of Flood Control Probe
Escudero and Binay were named alongside Revilla during a prior hearing where engineer Alcantara also pointed to Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva. The ongoing Senate inquiry continues to widen as more officials and lawmakers are being linked to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.
Responses from Escudero and Binay
Escudero firmly rejected Bernardo’s testimony:
“I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo in today’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter — and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement.”
Former senator Binay also issued a statement denying any wrongdoing:
“Nagugulat at nalulungkot ako na dinadamay ako sa mga anomalya ng DPWH. Walang katotohanan ang mga bintang sa akin. Tahimik po tayong nagtatrabaho bilang Mayor ng Makati. Nakakagulat na nagagamit tayo para ipanglihis sa mga tunay na kailangan panagutin sa issue na ito.”
(I am surprised and saddened that I am being linked to DPWH anomalies. The allegations are not true. I am quietly working as Mayor of Makati. It is shocking that I am being used to divert attention from those who should truly be held accountable.)