Ombudsman Boying Remulla has launched an investigation into three former undersecretaries for alleged money laundering linked to Department of Public Works and Highways funds. The probe stems from testimony by one of the officials before a Senate committee. Remulla described the scheme as a major offense involving unauthorized transfers of public money.
In Manila, Philippines, Ombudsman Boying Remulla announced on November 19, 2025, that his office is investigating three recently resigned undersecretaries for money laundering. The individuals are former Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
The investigation is based on Bernardo's accounts provided during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. Remulla detailed an unusual method for transferring funds meant for DPWH projects: money was loaded into an armored van, which then met a second van for the transfer before the second vehicle departed with the funds.
"Bersamin, Olaivar and Bernardo were working together in practically laundering money in the narration of Bernardo, just money laundering already," Remulla said at a press conference. "That’s already a major offense that was being committed." He emphasized, "They don’t have a right to that money. It’s money meant for public works, meant to be paid to contractors for work done."
Separately, Remulla's office is reviewing names mentioned by former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who on November 14 claimed he inserted P100 billion into the national budget for kickbacks, allegedly on orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Rep. Martin Romualdez. Remulla noted that Co must return to the Philippines to testify under oath, as he faces accusations himself. "Pero he has to come home and swear by the contents of his affidavit. ’Di ba? It’s kasi he’s also being accused of a crime," Remulla said. Regarding potential involvement of Marcos, Remulla responded: "Well, we have to look if it’s possible."
This probe follows related charges against Co and DPWH executives over projects in Oriental Mindoro.