THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a swift investigation of alleged irregularities in flood-control projects linked to Nancy Binay and Carleen Yap-Villa, following the submission of what former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo described as “damning evidence.”
Central to the case are multiple sworn affidavits submitted by Bernardo, who claimed that Yap-Villa, a former staff member in Binay’s Senate office and later a department head at Makati City Hall, acted as a direct intermediary between Binay and DPWH officials.
Bernardo asserted that Yap-Villa facilitated communications, negotiated arrangements, and handled kickback solicitations tied to project approvals.
In a memorandum issued by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, the General Investigation Bureau (GIB) was instructed to expedite proceedings, citing converging findings from both a Senate inquiry and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Bernardo further stated that he maintained a detailed record of transactions which he claimed linked Binay and her husband, Jose Benjamin Angeles, to the alleged scheme.
According to Bernardo’s affidavits, the documentation demonstrated not only the flow of funds, but also confirmations of acceptance, adding that his evidence goes beyond verbal claims and is supported by corroborating witnesses prepared to testify.
Among the most serious allegations are claims of substantial cash deliveries made in multiple tranches in Makati City and Quezon City.
Bernardo alleged that two major deliveries totaling P340 million were made in Horseshoe Village, Quezon City, along with an additional P200 million delivered separately.
He described these amounts as “commitments” or kickbacks demanded in exchange for the accommodation of flood-control projects.
Investigators from the ICI noted that the volume and frequency of the alleged transactions, coupled with the involvement of a trusted aide operating within Binay’s political and administrative circle, weakened any assertion of lack of knowledge.
The commission concluded that the pattern described in Bernardo’s affidavits raised “serious questions of accountability at the highest levels of local leadership.”
