MANILA — Roberto Bernardo, former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, told the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday that he received P130 million from fugitive former Congressman Zaldy Co over three years from 2023 to 2025. The payments were reportedly a “balato,” or gesture of thanks, for facilitating the smooth execution of controversial flood control projects.
Testifying as a state witness, Bernardo said he was given P40 million each in 2023 and 2024, and P20 million in 2025 by Henry Alcantara, former DPWH district engineer. Additionally, he received P10 million annually from the driver of Gerald Pacanan, former DPWH regional director and one of the accused.
Bernardo admitted he was hesitant to reject the payments, noting that Pacanan informed him the money came from Co. He has since surrendered the full amount to the government. When questioned by Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez about the reason for the funds, Bernardo described them as a token of gratitude for securing Alcantara’s cooperation with Co’s flood control projects.
elamigo/xf
