The Senate Blue Ribbon committee resumed its investigation into flood control corruption, with former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo implicating ex-secretary Manuel Bonoan and several senators in a kickback scheme. Meanwhile, Malacañang dismissed recent allegations by former congressman Zaldy Co against President Marcos as pure hearsay. Seventeen lawmakers skipped the hearing to avoid prejudicing an ongoing probe.
On November 14, 2025, the Senate Blue Ribbon committee in Manila continued its probe into alleged corruption in flood control projects. Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified, seeking to become a state witness. He accused his former boss, ex-DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, of expanding his role to facilitate kickbacks, working closely with resigned undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral on budget insertions for lawmakers' pet projects.
Bernardo detailed insertions totaling P450 million in 2023, P150 million in 2024, and P900 million in 2025, with remittances of 10 percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent of project values, respectively. He claimed to have handled at least P5 billion annually from 2023 to 2025, with a 15-percent average commitment shared among Bonoan, Cabral, and himself. Bernardo linked the scheme to Senator Mark Villar, alleging a 10-percent commission from lump-sum projects divided among Villar’s cousin Carlo Aguilar, Cabral, and himself.
Several senators denied the allegations. Villar called them a 'big lie' and urged discernment. Former Senator Grace Poe expressed sadness and support for the probe, denying involvement. Nancy Binay insisted she had no role in flood projects. Sonny Angara rejected insinuations of anomalous projects. Jinggoy Estrada vehemently denied links to flood control, calling claims baseless. Francis Escudero's counsel dismissed connections as hearsay without evidence.
Separately, 17 lawmakers implicated by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya skipped the hearing, citing potential prejudice to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) investigation. The Discayas presented ledgers naming some absentees and others like former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In response to Co's accusations against President Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Malacañang on November 15 branded them 'pure hearsay' without basis. Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez urged Co to return and testify under oath, noting Marcos had exposed the anomalies. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman affirmed the administration follows budget processes strictly, with all appropriations in the National Expenditure Program.