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CHIZ, NANCY, COA COMMISSIONER, DEPED OFFICIAL TAGGED IN FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Thursday implicated Senator Chiz Escudero, former Senator Nancy Binay, Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, and Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar in alleged kickbacks from multibillion-peso flood control projects. Bernardo, in an affidavit submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, claimed he delivered ₱160 million meant for Escudero and ₱37 million intended for Binay. He said Usec. Olaivar received a 15-percent share from a ₱2.85-billion project list. Bernardo also confirmed that Lipana requested to be referred to DPWH officers in Bulacan 1st DEO, though he has no personal knowledge of whether any projects were secured. The affidavit corroborates earlier allegations linking Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. to similar schemes, with Revilla reportedly receiving a 25-percent share. Bernardo said these transactions were tied to lists of projects prepared by DPWH engineers and later included in the General Appropriations Act. Bernardo emphasized that his statements are based on personal knowledge and supporting documents and expressed willingness to submit additional evidence as needed.

ELECTIONS, DONATIONS AND GOV’T DEALS As early as 2022 and 2023, the PCIJ already discovered at least eight elected officials who received donations from entities linked to companies doing business with the government. Such contributions are banned by the Omnibus Election Code.