Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told the Sandiganbayan that he received ₱130 million from former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as a “balato” or what he described as a “token of gratitude.”
Testifying for the first time as a state witness, Bernardo said that between 2023 and 2025 he received ₱100 million through former DPWH First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and another ₱30 million through former DPWH Region 4B Director Gerald Pacanan.
He noted that the amounts were handed over during the third quarter of each year.
According to Bernardo, the ₱100 million coursed through Alcantara was divided into ₱40 million in 2023, ₱40 million in 2024, and ₱20 million in 2025.
The ₱30 million relayed by Pacanan came in ₱10 million tranches annually from 2023 to 2025. Bernardo said Pacanan told him the money came from Co.
His testimony forms part of the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division trial involving 16 individuals, including Co and several former DPWH officials, who face malversation charges over an allegedly substandard ₱289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The contractor was Sunwest Construction, a company founded by Co.
Bernardo added that the kickbacks were handed to his staff and not received by him directly.
Co, in a previous video message, denied allegations that he profited billions from government flood control projects.# (RRN)
