Bernardo's ex-aide says he saw Jinggoy Estrada during delivery of boxes

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A prosecution witness on Thursday said that he saw Senator Jinggoy Estrada when he delivered 12 boxes to him.

Vergel Nino Garcia, former aide of state witness and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, made the testimony during the hearing on the bail petition filed by suspended Senator Estrada amid a P573-million plunder case against him.

The case involves Estrada’s alleged receipt of kickbacks.

Garcia said that upon his delivery of 12 boxes for Estrada at the Artiaga Building in San Juan City in November 2024, he spotted Estrada in the same area wearing a t-shirt, pants and leather shoes.

Garcia said he did not see what was inside the boxes which he delivered upon the instructions of Bernardo.

After the delivery, Garcia said he called Bernardo to inform him that the delivery was made.

During the said delivery, Garcia also said he was accompanied by Bernardo’s driver, Francisco dela Fuente.

Aside from Estrada, Garcia said he also delivered boxes to former senator Bong Revilla, former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan (15 boxes), the late former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral (one box and one paper bag) and former Education undersecretary Trygve Olaivar (eight suitcases and 15 boxes).

During the questioning by Estrada’s defense counsels, Garcia also said that they did not take photos or videos during the delivery.

A day earlier, Bernardo said there were four deliveries of commitments or kickbacks to Estrada from 2024 to 2025, but he was only present for one delivery in June 2025.

Bernardo later said it wasn’t easy for him to implicate Senator Jinggoy Estrada whom he accused of receiving kickbacks from government projects.

Bernardo made such position when asked as to why he did not implicate Estrada in his earlier affidavit.

“During that time [of my first affidavit], I have no confirmation, I have no solid evidence that will prove [his involvement]. I have already in [my] mind that he is a proponent [of projects], but I have to confirm [first],” Bernardo said.

“Ang hirap po ipahamak ang kaibigan. Hindi ko po kaagad magagawa iyon. Kailangan may solid evidence po," Bernardo added.

(It is tough to betray a friend. I cannot do that easily. I need to have solid evidence.)

Bernardo also pointed out that his previous affidavit, made prior to 2026, provides that given the complexities in the case, he reserved his right to “execute a supplemental affidavit if warranted.” — BM, GMA News

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