Sandiganbayan orders Bernardo to testify in Bong Revilla bail hearing on April 24, 2026

The Sandiganbayan has ordered state witness and former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to testify before the bail hearing of former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. and his five other co accused in the malversation case involving the alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. 

This developed after the anti-graft court's resident doctor, Dr. Warlin Basuel, testified that Bernardo is really sick and therefore, not healthy enough to testify during his scheduled court appearance, today, April 23.

"He is very cooperative, [and] he is willing to be examined," Basuel said.  

"We require his presence [before the]  court by tomorrow," Sandiganbayan Third Division Associate Justice Ronald Moreno said. 

Sandiganbayan Third Division chairperson and Associate Justice Karl Miranda then reminded the prosecution panel that Bernardo should wear a face mask when he faces the anti-graft court tomorrow (Friday).

The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered Basuel to verify Bernardo's health condition since the state witness  asked to be excused from court proceedings due to bronchitis and other related diseases.

Deputy Special Prosecutor Omar Sagadal also expressed manifestation taking exception before over the Sandiganbayan order to verify Bernardo's health which warned the prosecutors that Bernardo can be cited in contempt if he is found to be feigning an illness.

"We find this unfair to the witness and prosecution, Your Honor," Sagadal said. 

Miranda said such order is needed to ensure that the public knows that the anti-graft court won't be tolerating any scheme meant to frustrate the delivery of justice.

"His testimony was scheduled long ago. And then the [prosecution] counsel receives a text that he cannot  testify. Hindi puede iyon," Miranda said.

(We cannot allow that.)  

"Baka isipin ng tao nag-usap na ang witness at akusado...para mahina ang ebidensiya at ma grant ang bail. (People might think that the witness and the accused have talked .. to weaken the evidence and be granted bail.) The court is really serious in preserving its integrity and reputation," Miranda said. 

Government prosecutor Cristina Marallag-Batacan earlier informed the Sandiganbayan that Bernardo is being treated at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center for chronic rhinosinusitis, follicular pharyngitis, and acute bronchitis, and that Bernado's attending physician advised bed rest for the state witness. 

During the Senate blue ribbon inquiry on the flood control mess, Bernardo said Revilla gave him a list of government projects in 2024, and that Revilla asked for a commitment fee.

Bernardo said during the same inquiry that he approved a 25% of the total amount of the projects indicated in the list as commitment fee which is worth P125 million. 

Bernardo said such P125 million was delivered to him before being delivered to Revilla in his house in Cavite. — RSJ, GMA News