LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos today urged the Office of the Ombudsman to fast-track its investigation and the possible filing of graft charges against Sen. Mark Villar, following testimony from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleging that the senator received a “50% commission” from the budget for flood control projects.
Santos said the allegations raised by Bernardo—made during ongoing inquiries into alleged irregularities in multi-billion-peso DPWH flood control projects—demand urgent, transparent, and decisive action from the Ombudsman.
“These allegations are grave and cannot be allowed to languish. The public deserves clarity, accountability, and swift action,” Santos said.
Testifying before the Senate blue ribbon committee, Bernardo claimed that commissions from approved DPWH projects were divided among senior officials, alleging that 50% went to contractor Carlo Aguilar “presumably for” then–Secretary Mark Villar, while the remaining 50% was split between Undersecretary Maria Cabral and himself.
“I am calling on the Ombudsman to act with urgency so that the truth may prevail and those responsible—whether public officials or private individuals—are held accountable,” Santos added.
Santos earlier affirmed his readiness to submit documents, communications, and other relevant records to the Ombudsman’s newly formed special task force investigating alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects in southern Metro Manila.
The projects, spanning Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Bacoor, have drawn public attention amid claims that portions of the developments may have indirectly benefited properties linked to the Villar family, including former Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and incumbent Senators Mark and Camille Villar.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that the task force will investigate the construction of the Zapote River Drive and other related flood control infrastructure.
Santos stressed that the alleged “50% commission” involves substantial public funds meant for vital infrastructure in Metro Manila, adding that such claims reinforce long-standing concerns over anomalies in DPWH project implementation.
“This commission being asked by a ranking government official is the biggest in the history of the country,” the assistant majority floor leader said.
He emphasized that the Ombudsman must fully exercise its mandate to investigate corruption, especially when the allegations involve high-ranking officials and multi-billion-peso public works.
“Any delay only fuels public distrust. The sooner the Ombudsman completes its investigation, the sooner we can ensure that justice is served and taxpayers’ money is protected,” Santos noted.
Santos reaffirmed his commitment to support all ongoing investigations in Congress, the Ombudsman, and other independent bodies looking into alleged anomalies in government-funded flood control projects.
