MANILA – Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin firmly denied claims that he received money from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure projects. He said the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) has no role in DPWH budgeting and did not ask for any commission.
What sparked the allegation
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo said he met in 2024 with Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar about unprogrammed appropriations supposedly linked to the OES.
According to Bernardo, Olaivar asked for a 15 percent cut from about PHP 2.85 billion in projects, and that the “commission” was delivered at different places in Metro Manila.
Bersamin’s response
Bersamin called the accusation “not true.” He said the OES “has no involvement in any way with budgetary allocations relevant to the DPWH.”
He added that his office had no dealings with Bernardo or Olaivar, and noted that Olaivar has already denied the claim.
Bersamin described the allegation as an attack on his name and stressed his service record as a former judge and now Executive Secretary.
Why this matters
The issue touches on how unprogrammed appropriations are handled and whether the OES can influence DPWH funds. It also raises questions about oversight by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and transparency in infrastructure and flood control projects.
What happens next
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may call more witnesses and ask for documents to verify or dismiss the claims about the 15 percent cut from the PHP 2.85 billion projects. Any findings could lead to administrative or legal action if wrongdoing is proven.
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