Quezon City —Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan that he personally delivered P250 million in “commitment fees” to former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. as part of alleged anomalies in a government flood control project in Bulacan. Revilla, currently detained for malversation charges, has denied receiving such payments.

During a bail hearing on April 24, 2026, Bernardo told the court that he handed over P125 million to Revilla’s White House residence in December 2024 and another P125 million in March 2025. He also revealed that his aide, Vergel Niño Garcia, delivered an additional P250 million in February 2025, though Revilla was not present at the time. 

“I have seen the boxes [of commitment fee] delivered,” Bernardo said, adding that he personally witnessed two of the three deliveries.

Bernardo described the deliveries in detail, saying the first consisted of six boxes and a paper bag, the second of 13 boxes, and the third of six boxes. He explained that each banker’s box could fit P20 million, and the prosecution presented one such box in court as evidence.

The case stems from a P92.8 million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which prosecutors allege was a “ghost project” with no visible structures despite large sums being disbursed. Witnesses have testified that Revilla allegedly received a 30 percent “commitment fee” from the project.

Revilla has already posted bail for graft charges but remains in detention for malversation, which is non-bailable unless the court finds the evidence of guilt weak. The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division stressed that Bernardo’s testimony is crucial in determining whether Revilla can be granted bail.

The former senator’s camp has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that the testimonies are fabricated and politically motivated. Revilla’s lawyers argue that the prosecution has failed to establish strong evidence linking him directly to the alleged cash deliveries.

The Sandiganbayan has ordered Bernardo to continue testifying despite health concerns, emphasizing that the court “is serious in preserving its integrity and reputation” and will not tolerate delays in the delivery of justice.

This latest revelation intensifies scrutiny of Revilla, who has faced multiple corruption cases in the past, including the controversial pork barrel scam. The outcome of the bail hearings will determine whether he remains in detention as the malversation case proceeds.