Former DPWH official confesses, names names, seeks govt protection

September 26 ------ FORMER undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Roberto Bernardo on Thursday publicly confessed to wrongdoing and sought state protection after linking several senators to kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.

Bernardo submitted a statement and affidavit to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in which he acknowledged that he had failed in his duty to faithfully carry out his responsibilities. He apologized to the government, to the Filipino people, to his family and to all those he said he had let down. “I allowed myself to become an instrument in the execution of wrongful acts. I am ready to do everything necessary to correct my mistakes and ensure such actions do not recur,” Bernardo declared.

He pledged full cooperation with the Senate-led investigation and indicated that his forthcoming disclosures would implicate more officials. Citing concern for his and his family’s security, Bernardo formally applied to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for coverage under Republic Act 698, or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act. He requested that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee endorse his application to the DOJ, clarifying that his testimony and any disclosure of sensitive information would proceed only with the authorization of the Justice secretary.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has since confirmed that Bernardo is already a “protected witness” and will be provided security detail. However, Remulla drew a distinction between “protected witnesses” and “state witnesses,” noting that the former class receives security and protection but does not automatically enjoy immunity or full exoneration. Bernardo’s admission has renewed public calls for tighter safeguards against corruption in government projects, particularly within the DPWH, long plagued by controversies over fund misuse and irregular bidding.

Amid these developments, a coalition of private sector volunteers and nongovernment organizations on Thursday announced the creation of a blockchain-based monitoring system aimed at preventing corruption in government transactions, starting with DPWH projects. The initiative, led by Donald Lim of the Knights of Rizal Anda Circle Chapter, was formally launched at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City. The group, called Blockchain Validators, will be composed of volunteers from different nongovernment organizations who will serve as independent watchdogs over state projects. “This is not just talk. We are forming Blockchain Validators from the private sector to organize citizens as guardians of government transactions, ensuring that public funds are protected,” Lim said.

He added that the project seeks to complement the Marcos administration’s anti-corruption measures, beginning with a collaboration with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. Blockchain technology is a secure, transparent and unchangeable way to record information — and transactions — in a decentralized and distributed system, and is used for cryptocurrencies, supply chain management and other applications where trust and data integrity are essential. “Blockchain technology, combined with patriotism and love of country, can stop plunder before it happens. An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure,” Lim said.

Source: philstar.com