The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday heard explosive testimonies linking high-profile politicians and officials to alleged kickbacks in flood control projects worth billions of pesos.
Former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo submitted an affidavit naming Senators, former lawmakers, and government officials as supposed beneficiaries of cash cuts ranging from 20 to 25 percent of project funds. Among those mentioned were Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, former Sen. Nancy Binay, former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar. District engineers were also identified as conduits in channeling funds and securing project insertions.
Another witness, former Marine officer Orly Regala Guteza, testified that he delivered suitcases filled with millions of pesos in cash to the residences of certain lawmakers. He described the operation as “basura,” a codename used for the money drops, and alleged that up to 46 suitcases were once transported to the home of Rep. Zaldy Co. Guteza further claimed some of the funds were destined for Speaker Martin Romualdez, though this remains unverified.
The committee also revisited earlier findings of ghost projects, overpriced contracts, and substandard materials used in flood control facilities across Bulacan and other provinces. Residents in affected communities have complained that instead of easing flooding, many of these projects worsened their conditions.
Those implicated have denied wrongdoing, calling the accusations fabricated and politically motivated. Senators stressed the need for documentary evidence, bank records, and corroborating testimony before drawing conclusions. The National Bureau of Investigation and Anti-Money Laundering Council were tasked to trace the money trail and validate the allegations.
Committee chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson vowed that the inquiry will pursue accountability through subpoenas, forensic accounting, and possible legislative reforms. Public anger has continued to mount, with protests demanding answers over why multi-billion peso flood control projects have failed to deliver relief while taxpayers shoulder the cost.
