Ex-DPWH exec tells court: Co gave me P130 million as ‘balato’
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, alleging that he received a staggering P130 million as "balato" (share) from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. Bernardo claimed P100 million of this sum was channeled through his subordinates, sparking fresh allegations of corruption within government ranks.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan's Sixth Division on March 17, 2026, revealing that he received a total of P130 million as 'balato' (kickbacks) from former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. The payments were allegedly connected to a substandard P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Bernardo, who is now a state witness under the government's witness protection program, detailed that he received approximately P10 million annually from Co over two years through DPWH-Mimaropa channels. He described a systematic 'balato' scheme involving lawmakers and DPWH officials, with Co allegedly seeking a 25% commission on the project.
The testimony occurred during the ongoing malversation and graft trial against fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 15 other co-accused, including DPWH-Mimaropa officials who have pleaded not guilty. According to Bernardo's account, P100 million of the total P130 million was channeled through his subordinates, while the remaining P30 million was allegedly delivered directly to him. The court had previously scheduled Bernardo's appearance as a prosecution witness, with proceedings resuming after pre-trial stages.
The case involves a Commission on Audit notice of disallowance for P84 million related to the flood control project, which was previously noted in related bail hearings. Bernardo's testimony provides crucial evidence in the government's anti-corruption case, highlighting alleged systematic corruption within DPWH projects. The Sandiganbayan had been conducting preliminary conferences on the flood control cases since February 2026, with the next conference scheduled for February 26, 2026, before Bernardo's March testimony.
This development represents a significant breakthrough in the government's efforts to prosecute high-profile corruption cases, particularly involving infrastructure projects. The testimony sheds light on the alleged 'balato' culture within government procurement processes and could potentially lead to further investigations into similar schemes. The case continues to unfold in the Sandiganbayan, with Bernardo's testimony serving as a key piece of evidence against the accused officials and former lawmakers involved in the alleged corruption scheme.
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