Groups File Graft Complaints Against Ex-Usec. Bersamin, Olaivar over Alleged Kickback Scheme

Why It Matters

If substantiated, the allegations implicate senior officials in a high-profile corruption scheme affecting infrastructure funding and budget transparency, potentially prompting further probes, political fallout, and policy scrutiny of budget insertions. The case also tests the responsiveness of oversight institutions amid calls for accountability.

Summary

Progressive groups filed graft and grave-misconduct complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman against former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and ex-Education Undersecretary Trajiv Olaivar, accusing them of involvement in a kickback scheme tied to budget insertions. Complainants cited a sworn affidavit from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernard and a video statement by ex-ACO Bicol rep. Zaldi Co alleging the officials helped channel kickbacks from flood-control funds and a large insertion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The groups say investigative bodies have been slow to act despite multiple Senate testimonies, even as the Ombudsman says it is investigating and the accused deny wrongdoing. The filing coincides with the winding down of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

Original Description

Several progressive groups file graft complaints against two former Philippine undersecretaries linked to alleged budget insertions and kickbacks. -ANC, The World Tonight, March 27, 2026