DPWH Driver Confirms Delivery of Suitcases Linked to Alleged Lawmaker Kickbacks

MANILA – During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, Andrei Balatbat, a driver employed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, confirmed delivering several suitcases to a residence in Valle Verde, Pasig City, connected to Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. This testimony reinforces previous allegations of illicit fund transfers involving flood control projects.

Under questioning from Senator Erwin Tulfo, Balatbat stated that he once transported "around six to eight suitcases" to the said property. He noted, "Ako po isang beses nakapag-deliver...mga nasa 6 to 8 na maleta po."

Senator Tulfo pointed out that Balatbat’s account aligns with earlier statements from Brice Hernandez, former DPWH Bulacan 1st Assistant District Engineer, who implicated drivers as couriers for kickbacks linked to ghost projects.

When asked about the contents of the suitcases, Balatbat said, "Wala po kaming idea," adding that DPWH staff received the items without issuing any receipts or acknowledgments.

The driver also verified a separate handover in Fairview, Quezon City, where suitcases were transferred from their vehicle to another car bearing the plate number NFI 6319 at a Phoenix Petroleum station. He stated, "Bale sila po 'yung kumuha sa sasakyan namin," referring to the individuals who collected the goods.

Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and colleagues have identified Hernandez as the "primary person responsible" for orchestrating ghost projects and managing the distribution of illicit funds. Balatbat’s confirmation lends further support to these claims.

Senator Tulfo remarked that more individuals are expected to be implicated once Bernardo submits a supplemental affidavit. He said, "Hindi ako naniniwala na itong apat lang po ito. I’m sure meron din po siguro mabanggit sa Kongreso," suggesting that additional lawmakers might be involved.

This ongoing investigation underscores the Senate’s commitment to uncovering corruption linked to public infrastructure projects.(PNA)