Author: gqSbgCfmna

November 14, 2025 | 1:42pm

MANILA, Philippines — More powerful names have been dropped by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in the massive infra scam, including former senator Grace Poe and ex-secretary Manuel Bonoan.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Friday, November 14, resumed its probe into the flood control corruption scheme. In a previous hearing, Bernardo named Sen. Chiz Escudero and former senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay (now Makati mayor) as receiving kickbacks.

Bernardo again appeared before the panel, this time directly implicating former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan and ex-undersecretary Cathy Cabral.

Cabral had control to “remove, include, add, deduct, or modify insertions of items” in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the DPWH.

“Usec. Cabral would tell me that she would communicate and meet legislators to inform them of the amount of their allocations and ask them for titles of projects that they want to include in the DPWH budget,” Bernardo said.

Cabral had “total influence and authority in preparing, and finalizing the NEP for Infrastructure.”

Bernardo also attested that he himself would personally deliver money to Cabral.

In 2022, Bonoan allegedly asked Bernardo to submit a list of projects to be included in the NEP 2023, amounting to P450 million. Bernardo complied, asking former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara to submit a list of projects to be included in the NEP. This list was forwarded to Bonoan, and Cabral allegedly facilitated the projects’ inclusion in the NEP.

Alcantara allegedly gave him 15% of the project’s budget.

The following year in 2024, Bonoan repeated the same request, this time asking Bernardo for projects worth P900 million. Alcantara would this time give 20% as a kickback.

Cabral allegedly made it seem like all of the NEP items were completely allocated, but had actually reserved a “substantial percentage” for hers and Bonoan’s preferred projects.

Bernardo alleged that from the 15% cut that they would get from the budget, he would get 25% of the money, and the remaining would be split between Cabral and Bonoan.

More former senators named

Bernardo also named current and former senators in his affidavit. The newest name in the fray is former senator Grace Poe. A staff of Poe, someone named JY Dela Rosa, asked if the then-senator could be accommodated in the DPWH NEP.

“Bonoan told me there is a P500 million for Senator Grace Poe,” Roberto said.

A 20% commitment was collected and allegedly given to Poe.

Sen. Mark Villar, during his time as a DPWH Secretary, was also loosely implicated by Bernardo.

Cabral would again ask Bernardo to make a list of projects, which would be forwarded and approved by Villar. These projects included EDSA and other major roads. Carlo Aguilar, Villar’s cousin, allegedly received kickbacks on behalf of the then DPWH secretary.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who has also been named by other former DPWH officials in the kickback scheme, was also implicated again by Bernardo. He allegedly requested P500 million in 2023, with an 18% commitment fee. The following year, Estrada asked for P1 billion worth of projects, where he would get a 25% commitment fee.

Bernardo also doubled down on his previous accusations against former senator Bong Revilla, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Binay.

The former undersecretary said that he was close friends with Revilla. In 2024, Revilla allegedly asked Bernardo for funds for his re-election campaign as a senator. Bernardo prepared a list of projects worth P1.5 billion, which Revilla was to get a 25% cut.

Alcantara again would be the one to deliver the 25% to Bernardo. The cash was put in six boxes, which were loaded into Bernardo’s vehicle. Each box contained P20 million, with one paper bag containing P5 million.

“While the boxes were being unloaded, Senator Revilla and I talked for about 20 to 25 mins. I asked him: ‘Sen, why aren’t you campaigning?’ Senator Bong replied: ‘It is okay pare. The results of the survey are good. Relax first.’”

Bernardo also doubled down on his prior accusations against Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, this time saying that they also transacted on behalf of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who was then the Senate Chairman of Finance.

Bernardo’s full sworn affidavit can be read here: 

Former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo’s Second Supplemental Affidavit by jinmangaluz

November 14, 2025 | 1:42pm

MANILA, Philippines — More powerful names have been dropped by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in the massive infra scam, including former senator Grace Poe and ex-secretary Manuel Bonoan.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Friday, November 14, resumed its probe into the flood control corruption scheme. In a previous hearing, Bernardo named Sen. Chiz Escudero and former senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay (now Makati mayor) as receiving kickbacks.

Bernardo again appeared before the panel, this time directly implicating former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan and ex-undersecretary Cathy Cabral.

Cabral had control to “remove, include, add, deduct, or modify insertions of items” in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the DPWH.

“Usec. Cabral would tell me that she would communicate and meet legislators to inform them of the amount of their allocations and ask them for titles of projects that they want to include in the DPWH budget,” Bernardo said.

Cabral had “total influence and authority in preparing, and finalizing the NEP for Infrastructure.”

Bernardo also attested that he himself would personally deliver money to Cabral.

In 2022, Bonoan allegedly asked Bernardo to submit a list of projects to be included in the NEP 2023, amounting to P450 million. Bernardo complied, asking former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara to submit a list of projects to be included in the NEP. This list was forwarded to Bonoan, and Cabral allegedly facilitated the projects’ inclusion in the NEP.

Alcantara allegedly gave him 15% of the project’s budget.

The following year in 2024, Bonoan repeated the same request, this time asking Bernardo for projects worth P900 million. Alcantara would this time give 20% as a kickback.

Cabral allegedly made it seem like all of the NEP items were completely allocated, but had actually reserved a “substantial percentage” for hers and Bonoan’s preferred projects.

Bernardo alleged that from the 15% cut that they would get from the budget, he would get 25% of the money, and the remaining would be split between Cabral and Bonoan.

More former senators named

Bernardo also named current and former senators in his affidavit. The newest name in the fray is former senator Grace Poe. A staff of Poe, someone named JY Dela Rosa, asked if the then-senator could be accommodated in the DPWH NEP.

“Bonoan told me there is a P500 million for Senator Grace Poe,” Roberto said.

A 20% commitment was collected and allegedly given to Poe.

Sen. Mark Villar, during his time as a DPWH Secretary, was also loosely implicated by Bernardo.

Cabral would again ask Bernardo to make a list of projects, which would be forwarded and approved by Villar. These projects included EDSA and other major roads. Carlo Aguilar, Villar’s cousin, allegedly received kickbacks on behalf of the then DPWH secretary.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who has also been named by other former DPWH officials in the kickback scheme, was also implicated again by Bernardo. He allegedly requested P500 million in 2023, with an 18% commitment fee. The following year, Estrada asked for P1 billion worth of projects, where he would get a 25% commitment fee.

Bernardo also doubled down on his previous accusations against former senator Bong Revilla, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Binay.

The former undersecretary said that he was close friends with Revilla. In 2024, Revilla allegedly asked Bernardo for funds for his re-election campaign as a senator. Bernardo prepared a list of projects worth P1.5 billion, which Revilla was to get a 25% cut.

Alcantara again would be the one to deliver the 25% to Bernardo. The cash was put in six boxes, which were loaded into Bernardo’s vehicle. Each box contained P20 million, with one paper bag containing P5 million.

“While the boxes were being unloaded, Senator Revilla and I talked for about 20 to 25 mins. I asked him: ‘Sen, why aren’t you campaigning?’ Senator Bong replied: ‘It is okay pare. The results of the survey are good. Relax first.’”

Bernardo also doubled down on his prior accusations against Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, this time saying that they also transacted on behalf of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who was then the Senate Chairman of Finance.

Bernardo’s full sworn affidavit can be read here: 

Former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo’s Second Supplemental Affidavit by jinmangaluz

Philstar.com

November 14, 2025 | 1:27pm

MANILA, Philippines — Aspiring triathletes and adventure seekers yearning to experience the rush of multisport racing — without the grueling demands of full-distance training — will take center stage at the FAB (Freeport Area of Bataan) Sunrise Sprint (S2) on Sunday, November 16, in Mariveles.

Dubbed as S2, the event serves as an exciting sub-category of the inaugural 5150 FAB Triathlon, offering an energetic and approachable racing format for newcomers and returning competitors alike. Featuring a 750-m open-water swim, 20-km bike ride and 5-km run, the race distills the essence of triathlon into a compact yet thrilling experience — ideal for beginners, comeback athletes or even seasoned racers looking to sharpen their edge.

Set on an Olympic-style course that mirrors the intensity and camaraderie of longer-distance races, S2 is expected to draw participants across various age groups and categories. Among those to watch are young standouts Eunice Caluya and Kurt Julian in the 15-19 division, Adrian Bangkiling leading the 20-24 pack, and competitive 25-29 bets Ryan delos Reyes, Patrick Tamboong, Raejohn Legaspi and Nathalia Pili.

“Events like the S2 are essential to developing the next generation of Filipino triathletes. By giving beginners and young athletes a positive, well-supported race environment, we hope to inspire more people to stay active and eventually take on longer distances,” said Princess Galura, president and managing director of the organizing Sunrise Events Inc.

“Holding the Sunrise Sprint in Bataan is intentional. The province has embraced endurance sports and continues to invest in venues, safety, and community support that make it an ideal home for athletes starting their journey. Every start line begins with a small step, and for many, that step begins here,” she added.

The event offers much more than a race — it’s a gateway to the triathlon lifestyle, promoting physical literacy, confidence and community engagement. Designed to encourage participation from all walks of life, it invites first-time racers, recreational runners and elite athletes to share the same start line and spirit of competition.

Aside from the individual categories, relay events will also spice up the action, featuring all-male, all-female and mixed teams. Notable squads set to compete include JNM Tri-Team, TRPH Saja Boys, Sibakeras, TSL Triathlon I, Olongapo Jr Trackers Multisports, Team YAB, TriGunns, TRPH Relay Team 1, DayOne/Infinite Multisport, Project 2, BYBS Tri, Praetoria Tri, and PNYTRIBE.

Together with the 5150 FAB Triathlon, Sunday’s event reinforces Bataan’s growing stature as a top-tier hub for triathlon and endurance sports, backed by its challenging courses, pristine waters and trademark hospitality.

The S2 event also underscores SEI’s continuing mission to promote nation-building through sports development, encouraging the youth to embrace fitness and excellence through triathlon. By providing a well-organized, beginner-friendly venue, the Sunrise Sprint acts as both an entry point for future long-distance athletes and a celebration of active, healthy living.

For race details and registration, visit www.sunrisesprint.com.

November 14, 2025 | 1:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — Embattled former lawmaker Elizaldy Co is attempting to come clean on the corruption allegations against him, admitting to inserting around P100 billion while also claiming it was done under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s orders. 

In a video sent to reporters on Friday, November 14, Co accused the administration of “exhausting all resources” to use him as a scapegoat in its anti-corruption campaign and that if he started talking, he would likely get shot.

“Ginagamit ng administrasyon ang buong resources ng bansa para tumahimik ako — that he will shoot me if I will talk and gagamitin ako bilang panakip butas sa kanilang kampanya laban sa korapsyon,” he said.   

Co has been out of the country since July 19 for his medical check-up. He said he had plans on returning after Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, but was immediately called up by Romualdez not to return just yet.

According to him, Romualdez’s message was along the lines of: “Stay out of the country; you will be looked after as the president instructed.” It was during this address that the president first ordered the investigations into anomalous flood control projects.

Co said he believed Romualdez at first, which is why he kept quiet and obeyed. What he didn’t know, he said, was that to be “taken care of” meant to be used as a fall guy instead.

“Ginawa nila akong poster boy ng kanilang sariling kasinungalingan. Ngayon hindi na ako mananahimik. ilalabas ko ang lahat ng katotohanan, may resibo, may ebidensya at may pangalan,” he added. 

In the five-minute video, Co recounted the events from his perspective. He said it began with a call from Budget Secretary Ameenah Pangandaman in late 2024, when the bicameral conference process started. He said Pangandaman told him that the president had ordered the insertion of P100 billion in projects.

Co said Pangandaman even advised him to confirm the instruction with Usec. Adrian Bersamin of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. Bersamin confirmed it with Co, since he was also in the same meeting as Pangandaman and Marcos, the former lawmaker said. Co then called Romualdez to relay the president’s directive, only to be told to comply with the order.

“Right after our conversation, tinawagan ko po si dating Speaker Martin Romualdez at nireport ko ang instruction ng presidente to insert P100 billion projects at sinabi niya sa akin, ‘What the president wants, gets,'” Co said.    

A meeting was later held in a Malacañang building with Pangandaman, Bersamin, House Romualdez and Department of Justice Undersecretary. Jojo Cadiz. During the meeting, Co said Bersamin handed a list of projects worth P100 billion, which Cadiz said came directly from Marcos.

The list was delivered in a “brown leather bag,” which Co said reminded him of a time after the 2022 elections when he was with Romualdez and Marcos at the Hilton Hotel in Singapore. Right when they were about to return to the Philippines, Co said he remembers the president instructing his security not to forget a brown leather bag.

When working on the P100 billion insertion, Co said he asked Pangandaman and the others if only P50 billion could be added to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, arguing that a higher amount would surpass the education budget.

He said he was instead instructed to place the remaining P50 billion in the unprogrammed funds for the 2025 budget, “since it falls under the Office of the President,” which is also the office responsible for releasing the funds.

Co’s office also gave a list of infrastructure projects that amounted to roughly P81.08 billion, and other programs, including the 2026 ASEAN Summit, which amounted to around P18.76 billion.   

Since then, he said he was told that all of the P100 billion should be added to the budget because it was “promised by Speaker Martin,” and cannot be changed. 

This is why Co said he finds it hard to accept Marcos’ statements denying involvement in the budget, when what he knows is that the budget department generally seeks the president’s approval.

The video is reportedly just the first of two parts, with the second still unreleased.

Philstar.com has reached out to all the implicated officials for comment on Co’s allegations. 

While Co is technically admitting to facilitating budget insertions during the bicameral conference for the 2025 budget, he also faces allegations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, in addition to his connections with major contractors.

These public works projects have been under investigation by the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, with many reportedly involving substandard materials or existing only on paper.

Co already has complaints filed against him with the Office of the Ombudsman and is expected to face formal charges soon.

November 14, 2025 | 1:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — Embattled former lawmaker Elizaldy Co is attempting to come clean on the corruption allegations against him, admitting to inserting around P100 billion while also claiming it was done under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s orders. 

In a video sent to reporters on Friday, November 14, Co accused the administration of “exhausting all resources” to use him as a scapegoat in its anti-corruption campaign and that if he started talking, he would likely get shot.

“Ginagamit ng administrasyon ang buong resources ng bansa para tumahimik ako — that he will shoot me if I will talk and gagamitin ako bilang panakip butas sa kanilang kampanya laban sa korapsyon,” he said.   

Co has been out of the country since July 19 for his medical check-up. He said he had plans on returning after Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, but was immediately called up by Romualdez not to return just yet.

According to him, Romualdez’s message was along the lines of: “Stay out of the country; you will be looked after as the president instructed.” It was during this address that the president first ordered the investigations into anomalous flood control projects.

Co said he believed Romualdez at first, which is why he kept quiet and obeyed. What he didn’t know, he said, was that to be “taken care of” meant to be used as a fall guy instead.

“Ginawa nila akong poster boy ng kanilang sariling kasinungalingan. Ngayon hindi na ako mananahimik. ilalabas ko ang lahat ng katotohanan, may resibo, may ebidensya at may pangalan,” he added. 

In the five-minute video, Co recounted the events from his perspective. He said it began with a call from Budget Secretary Ameenah Pangandaman in late 2024, when the bicameral conference process started. He said Pangandaman told him that the president had ordered the insertion of P100 billion in projects.

Co said Pangandaman even advised him to confirm the instruction with Usec. Adrian Bersamin of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. Bersamin confirmed it with Co, since he was also in the same meeting as Pangandaman and Marcos, the former lawmaker said. Co then called Romualdez to relay the president’s directive, only to be told to comply with the order.

“Right after our conversation, tinawagan ko po si dating Speaker Martin Romualdez at nireport ko ang instruction ng presidente to insert P100 billion projects at sinabi niya sa akin, ‘What the president wants, gets,'” Co said.    

A meeting was later held in a Malacañang building with Pangandaman, Bersamin, House Romualdez and Department of Justice Undersecretary. Jojo Cadiz. During the meeting, Co said Bersamin handed a list of projects worth P100 billion, which Cadiz said came directly from Marcos.

The list was delivered in a “brown leather bag,” which Co said reminded him of a time after the 2022 elections when he was with Romualdez and Marcos at the Hilton Hotel in Singapore. Right when they were about to return to the Philippines, Co said he remembers the president instructing his security not to forget a brown leather bag.

When working on the P100 billion insertion, Co said he asked Pangandaman and the others if only P50 billion could be added to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, arguing that a higher amount would surpass the education budget.

He said he was instead instructed to place the remaining P50 billion in the unprogrammed funds for the 2025 budget, “since it falls under the Office of the President,” which is also the office responsible for releasing the funds.

Co’s office also gave a list of infrastructure projects that amounted to roughly P81.08 billion, and other programs, including the 2026 ASEAN Summit, which amounted to around P18.76 billion.   

Since then, he said he was told that all of the P100 billion should be added to the budget because it was “promised by Speaker Martin,” and cannot be changed. 

This is why Co said he finds it hard to accept Marcos’ statements denying involvement in the budget, when what he knows is that the budget department generally seeks the president’s approval.

The video is reportedly just the first of two parts, with the second still unreleased.

Philstar.com has reached out to all the implicated officials for comment on Co’s allegations. 

While Co is technically admitting to facilitating budget insertions during the bicameral conference for the 2025 budget, he also faces allegations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, in addition to his connections with major contractors.

These public works projects have been under investigation by the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, with many reportedly involving substandard materials or existing only on paper.

Co already has complaints filed against him with the Office of the Ombudsman and is expected to face formal charges soon.

Philstar.com

November 14, 2025 | 1:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — Poised to deliver reliable and affordably priced luminaires, the EcoLink Professional Lighting is the “Ilaw na Pangmalakasan” that directly addresses the key challenges faced by the construction and industrial sectors.

Budgeting is crucial for construction projects, and builders often face the challenge of balancing cost and the caliber of the products they use. With the new EcoLink Professional Lighting, pocket-friendly lighting solutions are now within reach to illuminate any commercial and professional spaces.

The product range showcased during the expo includes outdoor solutions, from LED Streetlights, LED Floodlights and Waterproof Bare Battens, as well as indoor luminaires such as LED Panel Lights, LED Highbays, and various Batten options.

The cornerstone of the EcoLink professional Lighting is the VoltSafe Technology. This industry-leading feature provides 2.5kV surge protection, offering a robust defense against voltage spikes and surges for a more consistent lighting performance with reduced maintenance costs, providing peace of mind for project owners.

The EcoLink Professional Lighting also meets stringent safety and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and comes with up to a two-year warranty.

EcoLink’s design philosophy centers on practical innovation, providing lighting solutions that are simple to install, highly durable in tough Philippine conditions and cost-effective for commercial applications. Whether lighting up streets, warehouses or compact office spaces, EcoLink Professional Lighting delivers reliable brightness that supports productivity and safety; truly the Ilaw na Pangmalakasan that the market needs.

“The EcoLink Professional Lighting was designed to address the realities of budgeting construction projects and help contractors maximize their resources,” shared Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, commercial leader for Professional, Signify Philippines.

“We believe that they do not have to compromise, especially with EcoLink as the ingenious solution that will provide reliable lighting that won’t break the bank. This product offering is our way of helping contractors to finish strong and on top of their projects.”

Apart from the new product line, Signify also unveiled its PRO Resellers Network, demonstrating its strong support for its lighting resellers. This exclusive program offers up to P30,000 worth of e-gift vouchers, exclusive reseller discounts, marketing support and other perks, while Signify VIP Contractors Club members can also enjoy premium rewards such as travel and staycation trips.

The launch of the EcoLink Professional Lighting reinforces Signify’s dedication to supporting the construction and industrial sectors in the Philippines through sustainable and affordable lighting. As the global leader in lighting, Signify continues to align its expertise with local industry needs, ensuring that every project is built on a foundation of light that’s reliable, efficient, and ready for the future.

For more updates on the latest releases and news on lighting innovation, visit Signify at www.signify.com.

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Signify. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.