Bernardo: Jinggoy got P573 million in kickbacks in 4 tranches

MANILA, Philippines —  Former public works undersecretary and state witness Roberto Bernardo testified yesterday before the Sandiganbayan that detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada received P573 million in kickbacks, delivered in four tranches, from infrastructure projects.

During the bail hearing of Estrada’s plunder case, Bernardo said the money was delivered from the Diamond Hotel in Manila to Estrada’s residence in San Juan.

The first delivery was in November 2024, the second in December 2024 and the third and fourth in February 2025.
For the final delivery, Bernardo said he accompanied his driver in bringing 11 boxes containing P20 million to the senator’s residence.

He, however, said he has no photographs of the alleged transactions, saying he was aware that these were “illegal” and he did not need to provide documents or evidence.

Implicating a friend

During the hearing, Bernardo was asked why he did not initially name Estrada among the officials who allegedly received kickbacks in his affidavit in September 2025.

He only later accused Estrada of receiving kickbacks from infrastructure projects in November 2025 and his latest judicial affidavit on Monday.

Bernardo cited his friendship with Estrada, saying even though he already knew that the senator was a proponent of projects, he wanted to have solid evidence first before implicating a friend.

“It was difficult to implicate a friend. I couldn’t do it right away,” he said.

Bernardo pointed out that he reserved his right to execute a supplemental affidavit, if needed, due to the complex nature of the case.

Estrada personally attended the bail hearing for the first time, then asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to return to his cell at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

Asked for comment on Bernardo’s testimony, Estrada said it has a lot of inconsistencies.
“He implicated too many people. The testimony is full of inconsistencies.

It was clear that he never brought money to me,” said Estrada.

When asked if he considered Bernardo a friend before, the senator said he did not want to have enemies as much as possible.