Activists File Graft Complaint Against Former Undersecretaries Bersamin and Olaivar

A coalition of activists and concerned citizens has filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, urging an investigation into an alleged multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving former government officials. The complaint, submitted on March 30, targets former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, accusing them of graft and violations of ethical standards for public officials.

The allegations are based on testimonies from former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who reportedly admitted to facilitating substantial project insertions. According to Bernardo's account, shared by Senator Panfilo Lacson, kickbacks ranging from P800 million to P2 billion were allegedly delivered to Bersamin and Olaivar in a clandestine exchange at a Manila hotel basement.

Both Bersamin and Olaivar have resigned from their positions amid intensifying investigations into the alleged irregularities. Despite their departures, no formal charges have been filed against them in court. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has indicated that they are under investigation for conspiracy to commit plunder.

The complaint further alleges that the scheme involved a 15% "commitment" fee for projects funded under unprogrammed appropriations, suggesting a systematic approach to budgetary insertions and kickbacks within the administration.