Escudero rejects claims in ex-DPWH Undersecretary’s Senate exposé

Francis “Chiz” Escudero —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero on Thursday rejected the allegations by former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo that he was involved in irregularities in public works deals, describing the claims as part of a “well-orchestrated” attempt to discredit the Senate.

READ: Escudero, Revilla, Binay in flood control mess – ex-DPWH exec

In a statement issued shortly after the claims surfaced at a Senate blue ribbon panel hearing, Escudero said that Bernardo himself admitted in his affidavit that they never had any direct contact.

“It seems like there is a well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members to destroy and discredit the institution and to divert the public’s attention from the real perpetrators,” said Escudero in a statement.

“So it’s really just the senators being pointed at?! Where is Zaldy Co? Where is Representative Martin Romualdez in all of this?! Where are his accomplices?! If we go by Undersecretary Bernardo’s testimony, they all have no fault or involvement here. That doesn’t seem believable,” he added.

Bernardo also named Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co in his testimony.

Escudero said he would contest the allegations, adding that he would pursue legal action against Bernardo.

“For more than 27 years in public service, I have never once been charged with corruption. That record speaks for itself. I believe that when all the facts are revealed, my name and my service will remain untarnished,” he said.

During the blue ribbon hearing, Bernardo admitted to being close friends with one of Escudero’s campaign contributors, businessman Maynard Ngu, whom he said was among the individuals he dealt with.

Bernardo claimed he agreed to a 20 percent cut with Ngu in exchange for a list of projects for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“After inclusion of the projects in the GAA, I delivered 20 percent of approximately P800 million or about P160 million, which was meant for Sen. Escudero,” he claimed. /cb/abc