Solon cites records proving Marcos' role in flood funds kickbacks

A member of the House of Representatives said he saw "records of communication" proving that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had direct knowledge of the alleged kickback scheme in the flood control controversy.

"Communication between the President and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin ....lumalabas talaga na sya yung personal runner, utusan, bagman (It appears that he is the personal runner, messenger, bagman)," ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said on a "24 Oras" report by Tina Panganiban Perez.

Tinio, one of the endorsers of the impeachment complaint against Marcos filed by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, said the said evidence disputes criticisms that the complaint has no substance.

The complaint was junked after majority of the members of the House justice committee voted that it was insufficient in substance.

"The impeachment complaint is backed by overwhelming documentary evidence and sworn testimony," Tinio said.

In a news conference, Tinio said he saw "records of communication" between Marcos and Bersamin, then-Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief, from December 2024 to July 2025, containing details of the President's alleged knowledge of the kickback scheme.

Tinio said this includes a March 24, 2025 message of Bersamin reporting receipt of P8 billion delivery from former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, with the President's acknowledgment: "Complete na po ang 7.122 delivery sa akin… Tapusin ko po computation today."

(The 7.122 delivery to me has been completed. I'll finish the computation today.)

"On July 10, 2025, Bersamin reported a P2 billion delivery for the President at Narra residence in Forbes Park. The President's response: 'Sasabihan ko si Jun Baris.' This is July 10, 2025—days before the President went to Congress and said 'mahiya naman kayo.' Sino po ang dapat na mahiya?" said Tinio.

(On July 10, 2025, Bersamin reported a P2 billion delivery for the President at Narra residence in Forbes Park. The President's response said he will tell Jun Baris. This is July 10, 2025—days before the President went to Congress and said: be ashamed. Now, who should be ashamed?)

Tinio said Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste has the copies of the communication, which was also seen by Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice

An LGU official trusted by the Bersamins is also in possession of the evidence, he added.

"May malakas na ebidensya na alam na alam ng Pangulo ang korupsyon, direktang lumahok siya at tumanggap ng kickback mula rito," said Tinio.

(There is strong evidence that the President has knowledge of the corruption scheme and directly participated. He also received kickback.)

In the 24 Oras report, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said, "Hindi bago ang bigyang intriga ang Pangulo na magmumula sa mga taong nais syang patalsikin sa pwesto. Ang ibinabato sa kanya ngayon ay walang katotohanan.

(It's not new to drag the President into the controversy by the very people who want him out of office. The allegations against him are false.)

Leviste said the public should just watch the statements of Tinio and Erice about the supposed communication.

Erice, meanwhile, said, "Yes, Leandro showed us the text messages between PBBM and Adrian Bersamin."

Erice continued: "Sa bahay miya raw gumawa ng affidavot si Adrian sa Batangas, kasi natakot daw si Adrian na maging fall guy, kaya naghanda ng affidavit, just in case may masamang mangyari sa kanya. Cong. Leviste showed us a CCTV footage of Adrian with supposed to be lawyers arriving in his house in Taal, Batangas."

The House of Representatives, voting 284-8-4, dismissed the two impeachment complaints against Marcos due to insufficiency in substance.

"The killing of the impeachment complaint does not end the search for accountability. It only exposes a bankrupt and corrupted political system. The fight for justice will continue—in the streets, in the courts, in the court of public opinion, and in every forum where the voice of the people can be heard," Tinio said.

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc called on Filipinos to mobilize on February 25 on the anniversary of the EDSA People Power to demand accountability from Marcos.

"Hindi natin hahayaang makaligtas muli ang mga Marcos. We will not allow corruption and impunity to triumph over the people's demand for truth and accountability," it added.

(We will not let Marcos get away from accountability again.  We will not allow corruption and impunity to triumph over the people's demand for truth and accountability.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News