I. Introduction: Corruption Probe Widens, Targeting High-Ranking Officials
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Friday, November 14, witnessed a dramatic escalation in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control scandal. Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, expanding on his earlier testimony, directly implicated several high-ranking political figures—both serving and former—in alleged kickback schemes involving the national infrastructure budget.
The explosive supplementary affidavit named current Senator Mark Villar, former Senators Grace Poe and Ramon Revilla, and current Education Secretary Sonny Angara. The immediate and forceful denials from all parties signal a deepening political and legal battle surrounding one of the most significant corruption probes in recent years.
II. The Core Accusations and Villar’s Vehement Rejection
Former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo directly linked Senator Mark Villar to the alleged kickback operation during Villar’s tenure as DPWH Secretary under the Duterte administration.
A. Allegations Against Villar
Bernardo alleged that Villar’s cousin, Carlo Aguilar, served as an intermediary, working alongside former DPWH Undersecretary Cathy Cabral to facilitate the kickback scheme. Bernardo claimed that Villar was purportedly the ultimate beneficiary of the largest share of the illicit commissions:
“Aguilar and former DPWH undersecretary Cathy Cabral allegedly aided a kickback operation, in which Villar supposedly received 50%.”
B. Senator Villar’s Strong Denial
Senator Villar immediately and categorically denied the accusations, framing Bernardo’s testimony as a deliberate fabrication.
“I vehemently and categorically deny the accusations made today in the Blue Ribbon Committee. Isa po itong malaking kasinungalingan (This is a huge lie). I ask the public to be discerning and not to rush judgment based solely on a person’s affidavit, which may be manufactured or tailored fit for his or other people’s convenience,” Villar stated.
Villar stressed his decades-long, “untarnished record” as a public servant, encompassing his roles as Representative, DPWH Secretary, and Senator, to underscore the perceived implausibility of the charges.
III. Other Named Officials Issue Forceful Denials
The allegations extended well beyond the current administration, involving individuals across the political spectrum, each of whom responded with swift rejections and vows to pursue legal action.
A. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and the “Diversionary Tactic”
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was previously named by another former DPWH engineer (Bryce Hernandez) in a related kickback scheme, strongly rejected Bernardo’s new testimony. Estrada labeled the accusation a “diversionary tactic,” questioning the sudden inclusion of his name, which was absent from Bernardo’s initial affidavit.
Estrada challenged the basis of the claim, asserting there was no proof of him receiving any cut from the budget. He warned that he would “pursue every available legal remedy against those who persist in spreading false, defamatory, and malicious statements.”
B. Former Senator Grace Poe’s Alarm
Former Senator Grace Poe expressed sadness and alarm that her name was mentioned in the proceedings. Poe, known for her prior involvement in anti-corruption efforts, vowed to refer the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“I support the investigations, that is why I was the first to attend the ICI (Independent Infrastructure for Commission) proceedings. It’s alarming that my name was mentioned today. I have never been involved in corruption, this I can clearly say to all Filipinos,” Poe asserted.
C. Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s Rejection
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, implicated through an alleged staff member identified as Trygve Olaivar, also issued a firm denial, leveraging his long career as proof of his integrity.
“We reject any insinuation made today that we were involved in anomalous projects. In my 21 years in government, we have never been involved in corruption,” Angara stated.
IV. Legal and Political Fallout
The Senate inquiry, initially focused on lower-level officials, has now firmly entered the political arena, transforming into a high-stakes legal confrontation. The credibility of the accusations—relying heavily on the sworn affidavits of former insiders like Bernardo—is now pitted directly against the public records and vehement denials of some of the country’s most established political figures.
As the Senate probe continues to uncover layers of alleged corruption, the public will be closely monitoring the follow-through of the promised legal actions, determining whether the explosive testimony can withstand judicial scrutiny. The widening scope of the DPWH scandal signals a protracted battle for accountability that is certain to dominate the nation’s political discourse.
