MANILA, Philippines — A prosecution witness in the malversation case involving former Sen. Bong Revilla told the Sandiganbayan that he delivered what were later discovered to be large amounts of cash to several high-profile figures between 2023 and 2025.
Vergel Nino Garcia, a former driver and aide of state witness and ex–Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, took the stand before the anti-graft court’s Third Division during the hearing on Revilla’s petition for bail.
Garcia said he transported sealed boxes and suitcases upon Bernardo’s instructions, unaware at the time that they contained cash. He only learned about their contents when authorities began investigating the alleged flood control fund irregularities.
Responding to questions from Associate Justice Karl Miranda, Garcia detailed multiple deliveries. He said 12 boxes meant for Revilla were brought to a property referred to as the “White House” in Cavite in February 2025.
In November 2024, he delivered another 12 boxes to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada at a building in San Juan City, where he personally saw the lawmaker during the unloading.
Garcia also testified that he delivered a total of 55 boxes intended for then Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan at various locations, including a hotel, an unspecified site, and a restaurant in Quezon City. These were reportedly received by Bonoan’s driver.
He further recounted two deliveries to former Undersecretary Cathy Cabral in 2023 and several shipments to former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, who personally received at least one of the packages.
Additional deliveries included boxes sent to a certain Carleen Villa and others dropped off at a commercial building, though Garcia said he was not told who the intended recipients were.
When asked if he suspected anything illegal, Garcia said he trusted Bernardo and did not question the instructions given to him.
Bernardo, who was scheduled to testify, failed to appear due to illness. The court was informed he is undergoing treatment at a hospital and has been advised to rest. The Sandiganbayan has ordered verification of his medical condition.
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Headline:
Witness Tells Court of Cash Transfers Linked to Revilla Bail Hearing
MANILA, Philippines — A former aide to a key state witness testified that he unknowingly delivered boxes and suitcases filled with cash to several government officials as part of a scheme now under scrutiny in the Revilla malversation case.
Appearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, Vergel Nino Garcia said he carried out the deliveries on orders from then Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, without knowing their contents at the time.
Garcia explained that he only realized the packages contained money after investigations into the alleged flood control fund controversy began.
During questioning by Associate Justice Karl Miranda, Garcia recounted specific transactions, including a February 2025 delivery of 12 boxes for former Sen. Bong Revilla in Cavite.
He also described bringing 12 boxes to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in San Juan City in late 2024, where the senator was present during the handover.
Garcia said he made multiple deliveries for then Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, totaling 55 boxes across several locations, with the items received by the official’s driver.
He further testified about deliveries to former Undersecretary Cathy Cabral and former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, noting that Olaivar personally accepted at least one shipment.
Other deliveries included packages for an individual identified as Carleen Villa and several boxes left at a building without clear instructions on the recipient.
Garcia maintained he did not question the tasks assigned to him, saying he relied on Bernardo’s assurance that he would not be put in harm’s way.
Bernardo was expected to testify but was unable to attend after falling ill. Prosecutors submitted a medical certificate indicating he is under treatment and advised to rest. The court has directed its medical officer to confirm his condition.
ia/xf
