By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified that, to his knowledge, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was the only lawmaker who had no commitment fees tied to infrastructure projects in the alleged nationwide kickback scheme.
Asked by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno whether he knew of any project proponent who did not receive kickbacks, Bernardo replied that he knew of no congressman who had been offered such payments and declined, adding that Lacson had “no commitment.”
Bernardo also maintained that he had no direct dealings with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez involving kickbacks or infrastructure projects. During a separate bail hearing before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, he said he had not identified Romualdez as a project proponent in his affidavits.
The former DPWH official, however, cited alleged commitment fees involving other lawmakers. He said former senator Nancy Binay was associated with rates of 12% to 15%, former senator Grace Poe with 20%, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada with 18% to 25%.
Bernardo also identified Carlo Aguilar, whom he described as a cousin of former public works secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar, in connection with an alleged five-percent share from a ₱500-million lump-sum fund. These claims remain allegations presented in ongoing proceedings.
In a separate hearing, Bernardo’s former aide, Vergel Nino Garcia, testified that he delivered 12 boxes intended for Estrada in November 2024. Garcia acknowledged that he did not inspect the contents or document the delivery through photographs or videos.
The testimonies form part of separate plunder cases involving alleged kickbacks from public infrastructure projects. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
ia/xf
