A long-time aide of former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday, claiming he delivered numerous boxes and suitcases to high-ranking officials allegedly linked to a massive flood control controversy.
Vergel Niño Santos, who served as Bernardo’s assistant and driver for 20 years, told the anti-graft court that he executed several deliveries between 2023 and 2025.
Among the recipients identified were:
- Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.: 12 boxes delivered to his Cavite residence.
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada: 12 boxes.
- Former Public Works Chief Manuel Bonoan: 55 boxes.
- Former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar: 4 suitcases.
- Carleen Villa: 8 boxes.
- Former Public Works Undersecretary Cathy Cabral: 1 box and 1 paper bag.
Santos confirmed he personally encountered Revilla, Estrada, and Olaivar during some of these instances.
When questioned by justices regarding the physical nature of the cargo, Santos noted they were heavy and provided specific dimensions using traditional measurements.
“Mabigat po,” Santos said. “Sobrang isang dangkal… Dalawang dangkal po.”
Despite the frequency of the trips, Santos maintained he never saw the contents and never questioned his superior.
“He also told the court that he did not ask Bernardo about the contents, explaining that his former boss would become upset when questioned.”
The testimony was presented by government prosecutors during Revilla’s bail hearing to corroborate claims made by Bernardo and former DPWH NCR Director Gerard Opulencia. Both earlier witnesses alleged that Bernardo ordered Santos to deliver ₱250 million in cash to Revilla as a “commitment fee.”
Defense counsel Reody Anthony Balisi initially objected to the testimony, labeling it “immaterial and irrelevant” and arguing the deliveries were unrelated to the specific project in Pandi, Bulacan currently under litigation.
However, the Sandiganbayan overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to stand while granting the defense the right to cross-examine the witnesses.