Who is Adrian Bersamin?

Before the alleged text messages between former undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. surfaced, former lawmaker Zaldy Co said Bersamin confirmed that the President ordered the insertion of P100 billion into the 2025 budget.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” Bersamin is the grandson of former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin through a nephew.

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said he saw records of text message exchanges between Marcos and the younger Bersamin between December 2024 and July 2025, where the President allegedly received kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.

Previously, Adrian Bersamin served on the governing board of the Manila International Airport Authority in August 2023.

In July 2025, the 37-year old Bersamin was appointed undersecretary and head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, just days before the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address, which was followed by the launch of the investigation into the flood control scandal.

Amid the controversy, Co released a video alleging that Bersamin confirmed to him the President had ordered the insertion of P100 billion into the 2025 national budget.

Bersamin reportedly provided a list of projects, allegedly sourced directly from the President.

Citing Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Panfilo Lacson refuted claims and said the President’s name was just used, and only Adrian and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar benefited from the alleged arrangement.

GMA Integrated News sought Adrian’s comments from the elder Bersamin, but said his nephew will not yet speak or give a reaction on the matter.

However, the older Bersamin promised his grandson will respond to the allegations at the proper time.

Both the younger Bersamin and Olaivar earlier denied the allegations against them. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News