The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday added former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary for operations Roberto Bernardo among its “protected witnesses” in the case of widespread corruption scandal involving state-funded flood control projects.
Bernardo has broken his silence on the issue during his appearance at the sixth Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on allegations of ghost projects and the kickback scheme, which linked several politicians and public officials.
“I admit to the mistakes I have made. I had not been strong and faithful in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me by our government and our people,” the former DPWH official, a civil engineer, said in his affidavit.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla clarified that “protected witnesses” are different from “state witnesses.” Under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), individuals classified as “protected witnesses” are provided security details and other benefits in exchange of their testimonies.
“[Bernardo is under] evaluation but considered [a] protected witness. We will give him security already,” Remulla told reporters upon their arrival from the Senate at around 10 a.m.
The protection does not exonerate them from possible charges that may still be filed against them over their involvement in alleged crimes. Bernardo narrated his knowledge about the cases in question and revealed other politicians, who allegedly benefited from his transactions.
The former DPWH executive dropped the names of former Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, former senator and now Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, former Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr., Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar among people he dealt with.
Aside from Bernardo, the DOJ has earlier placed under its protection former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, as well as contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and his wife Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya.
