Ex-DPWH Undersecretary Testifies in Bong Revilla's Malversation Trial

State witness and former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified in the malversation trial of former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and his co-accused, concerning a ghost P92.8 million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. Bernardo appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, August 4, for the continuation of the trial proper for Revilla and his six other co-accused. Just last week, the Sandiganbayan granted Revilla's petition for bail. Revilla posted a P1-million bail to gain his temporary freedom. On Tuesday, the former senator’s defense team said Revilla already waived his appearance during the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in the subject plunder case. During the bail hearing of Revilla, Bernardo testified that he personally delivered P250 million worth of commitment fee or portion of the payment for government projects to Revilla. He said he personally delivered P125 million to Revilla's White House residence in Cavite in 2024 and another P125 million in March 2025. Further, Bernardo said there was a delivery of P250 million commitment fee made by his aide, Vergel Niño Garcia, to Revilla's residence in February 2025 but the latter was not present during that time. "I have seen the boxes [of commitment fee] delivered. I myself, with my driver, [was there in the delivery], two times. I was there in first and third deliveries," he added. Bernardo said that six boxes and a paper bag were delivered to Revilla the first time, 13 boxes the second time, and six boxes the third time. But in granting Revilla’s petition for bail, the Sandiganbayan said that the prosecution failed to present "an iota of proof" showing that Revilla had either explicitly or implicitly agreed to receive an advance kickback. — RSJ, GMA News This case brings to light long-standing questions about fund utilization in public works projects and the nature of financial dealings with politicians in the Philippines.