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Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Thursday broke his silence on alleged corruption in flood control contracts, revealing a supposed scheme to funnel kickbacks from government projects.

At the middle of the scheme is tech-billionaire Maynard Ngu, the chief executive officer of Cosmic Technologies—the company behind popular local cellphone brands Cherry Mobile.

In his sworn affidavit, the retired DPWH official stated that P160 million in flood control funds were allocated for Valenzuela and Marinduque in the General Appropriations Act. The P160 million, Bernardo said, was “meant for Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.”

Bernardo described Ngu as his “close friend,” and that he personally delivered cash to the latter’s office in Manila.

In 2023, Ngu was appointed by the President as a special envoy.

In his affidavit, Bernardo said Ngu is also a “close friend” and campaign contributor to Escudero.

Comment has been requested from Ngu regarding Bernardo’s statements, but he has yet to respond.

Escudero’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) showed that Ngu contributed P30 million to the former’s senatorial campaign.

The president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. is also listed in the SOCE as having contributed the same amount to Escudero.

Ngu also donated P1 million worth of mobile phones to the campaign of Senator Robin Padilla, based on the latter’s SOCE.

Ngu’s Cosmic Technologies is also a contractor for the Department of Education.

Apart from heading Cosmic Technologies, Ngu is also a board director of Altus Property Ventures —a unit of Robinsons Land Corp.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the Philippines’ primary government agency responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of national infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and flood control systems. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era, with its direct predecessor being the “Departamento de Obras Publicas” established in 1868. Today, it plays a crucial role in the country’s national development through its extensive public works programs.

General Appropriations Act

The General Appropriations Act is not a physical place or cultural site, but a piece of legislation. It is the primary bill passed annually by the United States Congress to fund the operations of the federal government for a fiscal year. Its history is rooted in the Congressional power of the purse established in the U.S. Constitution, and its passage is a fundamental, often contentious, part of the annual budget process.

Valenzuela

Valenzuela is a city in the Philippines located in Metro Manila, originally founded as a town in 1623. Historically an agricultural area, it has transformed into a major industrial hub known for its manufacturing and economic activity. The city’s name honors Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a prominent figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.

Marinduque

Marinduque is a heart-shaped island province in the Philippines, renowned as the country’s “Lenten Capital” for its annual Moriones Festival. This colorful tradition, featuring participants in Roman soldier masks and costumes, re-enacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion at Christ’s crucifixion. Historically, the island was a significant site during the Philippine-American War, where American forces first raised their flag on Philippine soil in 1900.

Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE)

It appears there may be a misunderstanding. A “Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE)” is not a place or cultural site; it is a financial disclosure document, typically required by government agencies from political candidates or committees to report campaign finances. Therefore, it does not have a physical location or a history as a cultural landmark.

Centerways Construction and Development Inc.

“Centerways Construction and Development Inc.” is not a historical or cultural landmark, but a private company operating in the construction and real estate development industry. As a commercial entity, its history would be specific to its business operations, such as its founding date and projects, rather than being a site of public cultural heritage.

Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education is a cabinet-level department of the federal government, created in 1979 by combining several smaller education agencies. Its primary mission is to establish policy for, administer, and coordinate most federal assistance to education. While the federal role in education is limited, the department collects data, enforces federal educational laws regarding privacy and civil rights, and focuses on national education issues.

Robinsons Land Corp.

Robinsons Land Corporation is a leading Philippine real estate developer established in 1980 as a subsidiary of the JG Summit conglomerate. It has a diverse portfolio that includes shopping malls, residential condominiums, office buildings, and hotels, significantly shaping the country’s urban landscape. The company’s history is marked by steady growth, expanding from its first major project, Robinsons Galleria, into one of the largest and most trusted property developers in the Philippines.