Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is now under the protective custody of the Department of Justice (DOJ) as officials evaluate if he qualifies to become a state witness in the alleged multi-billion peso flood control scam.
📷: Philippine News Agency (PNA)
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Thursday that Bernardo has been admitted as a protected witness, but stressed that this is different from being a state witness which grants immunity from prosecution.
“It’s still for evaluation, but [Bernardo is] considered a protected witness,” Remulla told reporters after meeting with him.
Bernardo earlier testified in the Senate, accusing three incumbent and former senators of receiving kickbacks from him in exchange for facilitating anomalous projects.
Protected vs. State Witness
Remulla clarified that witnesses under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) are safeguarded from threats, while state witnesses are granted full legal immunity once they pass stringent requirements.
“Witnesses who will testify in a criminal prosecution for the government against those who violated the law need protection,” Remulla said. “At least we can offer physical protection.”
The DOJ chief added that Bernardo’s lawyers are working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to determine if formal charges can be pursued based on available evidence.
Hunt for Zaldy Co Continues
Meanwhile, authorities are still pursuing Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, another lawmaker tagged in the scandal. Remulla said the DOJ has received several leads, including flight details and a boarding pass allegedly linked to Co, who was last seen after seeking medical treatment in the United States before being spotted in Spain.
“Yes, we’re trying to track him and marami nang tumutulong na tao. But we have to validate,” Remulla said.
Co remains under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order as the DOJ intensifies efforts to locate him.