Graft case filed vs ex-undersecretaries over flood kickbacks

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MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of activists and concerned citizens filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, calling for an investigation into a multibillion-peso “commitment-insertion-kickback” scheme that allegedly involves President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The complaint was filed before the Ombudsman on Monday, March 30, for graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials against former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson Teddy Casiño and Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot’s David San Juan filed the complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Also among the complainants are former lawmaker France Castro, Movement Against Tyranny co-convenor Bonifacio Ilagan, Bunyog Pagkakaisa Partylist vice president Maria Sevalla, Green Party Philippines chairperson David D’Angelo, and Gaudelia Tiongson and Servando Peralta who members of Seniors Kontra Kurakot.

Allegations and testimonies

The complaint stems from recent public disclosures and affidavits from former government officials.

The complainants cited testimonies from former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who reportedly admitted to facilitating billions in project insertions.

Bernardo’s account, which was shared on the Senate floor by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, detailed a sophisticated “armored van” exchange at a Manila hotel basement where kickbacks ranging from P800 million to P2 billion were allegedly delivered to Bersamin and Olaivar.

“Putting all these revelations together, at the very least, there appears to be a multibillion-peso “commitment-insertion-kickback” scam running from the highest rungs of the Marcos administration whereby President Marcos ordered budgetary insertions which “facilitators” include in the budget for assured funding, after which operators handled and delivered billions in kickbacks for him,” the complaint read.

The complaint further alleges that the scheme involved a 15% “commitment” fee for projects funded under unprogrammed appropriations.

Officials under scrutiny

Both Bersamin and Olaivar stepped down from their government positions as the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects intensified.

Their departures followed testimonies implicating them in budget irregularities and 15% commissions in unprogrammed appropriations.

However, no cases have yet been filed in court against them. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla previously said they are also under investigation for conspiracy to commit plunder.

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