MANILA, April 20, 2026 — A witness testified before the Sandiganbayan that nearly ₱299 million in cash was delivered in grocery boxes to the office of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, allegedly tied to ghost flood control projects and malversation charges involving former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

Monica Louise Ocampo-Santos, liaison officer of SYMS Construction, told the Sandiganbayan Third Division that she personally delivered the cash to Hernandez’s office, with the money hidden inside boxes labeled for soy sauce, potato chips, coffee, and noodles. She explained that the amount included ₱74 million from the ₱92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which is central to the malversation case against Revilla, Hernandez, and several co-accused.

Ocampo-Santos testified that SYMS Construction had won five government contracts under a license lent to Hernandez, and the cash deliveries were made as part of those transactions. She further revealed that Hernandez’s goddaughter was present during some of the deliveries, underscoring the close ties between the contractor and the DPWH official.

The revelations form part of the ongoing bail hearing for Revilla and his co-accused, who face charges of malversation and graft in connection with the alleged flood control scam. The Sandiganbayan is examining whether the massive cash deliveries were linked to ghost projects and kickbacks, with prosecutors arguing that the transactions demonstrate systemic corruption within the DPWH.

The case has drawn national attention, as the ₱299 million cash delivery highlights the scale of alleged corruption in infrastructure projects. The prosecution maintains that the funds were intended for government flood control works but were instead diverted, while defense lawyers argue that the testimony lacks documentary support.

Authorities are expected to continue presenting witnesses and evidence in the coming weeks, with the Sandiganbayan tasked to determine whether Revilla, Hernandez, and others should be granted bail or face trial in full. The testimony underscores the gravity of the allegations and the challenges of addressing entrenched corruption in public works contracting.