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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Lutong-luto na?': Almost 100% project bids rigged, ex-DPWH exec Bernardo says

'Lutong-luto na?': Almost 100% project bids rigged, ex-DPWH exec Bernardo says

Published Sep 25, 2025 06:31 pm

At A Glance

  • Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that nearly all project biddings are rigged due to political interference by congressmen and senators, prompting calls from Senate leaders to abolish district engineering offices and stop lawmakers from dictating project lists.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Usec. Roberto Bernardo believes almost all project biddings are rigged.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo takes his oath before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during its hearing at the Session Hall of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on September 25, 2025. Bernardo implicated Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Makati Mayor Nancy Binay in the alleged flood control kickback scheme. (Mark Balmores)
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo takes his oath before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during its hearing at the Session Hall of the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on September 25, 2025. Bernardo implicated Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Makati Mayor Nancy Binay in the alleged flood control kickback scheme. (Mark Balmores)
Bernardo said this during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing investigating the anomalous flood control projects in the country on Thursday, Sept. 25.
He was asked by Sen. Bam Aquino what percentage of the bids are legitimate and which are already predetermined.
"Pananaw ko po, almost 100 percent eh (In my view, it’s almost 100 percent)," Bernardo said.
"Napipilitan po ang ating mga district engineer, ang ating mga regional director. Kapag po kasi nagbaba ng pondo at hindi napunta sa kanila eh katakot-takot na panggigipit na po ang gagawin nito (Our district engineers and regional directors are being forced. Because when funds are released and they [proponents] don’t get their share, they will be subjected to tremendous pressure and harassment), he added.
Bernardo said that like with House members, when the funds don’t go to where they want, they get angry. There are also areas where someone lobbies for the funds, and if these don’t go to them, he added that they will really hold it against the engineers—later on, they might even create issues against them or even file cases.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is pushing for legislation that would restructure the agency, getting rid of the district engineering offices and instead replacing them with larger regional units to curb political interference in the projects.
Sotto asked Bernardo if this would be a good solution to avoid corruption, such as what happened in the flood control project scandal. Bernardo said that the suggestion is possible.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta said that he discussed with Sotto about abolishing the DEOs.
"Kasi po ang mga nag-aappoint sa inyo mga congressman. Kahit anong iutos sa inyo ng congressman, wala po kayong magagawa, sunud-sunuran po kayo ng congressman. Makapangyarihan po talaga. At pagka hindi n’yo sinunod patatransfer kayo sa ibang lugar. Kaya nakukurakot po talaga eh (Because it is the congressmen who appoint you. Whatever the congressman orders you to do, you can’t do anything—you just have to follow. They are really powerful. And if you don’t obey, you will be transferred to another place. That’s why corruption really happens)," Marcoleta said.
Marcoleta said that congressmen or senators should no longer be given the chance to make project lists.
"That’s where it all starts. If no one makes lists, then let’s just leave it to the Executive, but it must be monitored to ensure that the laying out of projects is truly macro and for the general good," he said.
"Yung national impact kitang-kita eh. Hindi yung gagawa ka ng flood control dito, doon, di naman magkakaugnay. Walang impact. Tapos papasok ang congressman (The national impact should be clearly seen. Not just building flood control projects here and there that aren’t even connected. There’s no real impact. And then the congressman comes in)," he added.

Related Tags

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Tito Sotto rodante marcoleta Bam Aquino Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
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