Roberto Bernardo Biography
Roberto R. Bernardo is a seasoned Filipino civil engineer and former government official who dedicated over ’30 years’ to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Born on August 7, 1963, in Malolos, Bulacan. Bernardo began his career in 1986 as a Civil Engineering Aide, steadily rising through the ranks to become Undersecretary for Regional Operations in 2017.He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology, completing the program in just four and a half years.
In 1999, he pursued further studies in Business Management at St. Francis of Assisi College. Bernardo is also a member of respected professional organizations such as the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines (REAP).Throughout his career, Bernardo held influential roles including ‘District Engineer’, “Assistant Regional Director”, and “OIC-City Engineer” under former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. He oversaw infrastructure development across the Visayas, National Capital Region (NCR), and Region IV-B, managing projects like roads, schools, and public health facilities.
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In 2025, Bernardo became the subject of a Senate investigation into alleged corruption involving ghost flood control projects and questionable engineering appointments. Despite being linked to a network of officials and contractors accused of misconduct, Bernardo denied all allegations, stating, “My conscience is clear“.He emphasized his decades of public service and asserted that he had no pending administrative cases. However, as the investigation progressed and more testimonies came to light, Bernardo chose to cooperate with authorities and acknowledge his involvement in facilitating certain irregularities.
He filed for early retirement on August 15, 2025, shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed widespread anomalies in infrastructure spending. While Bernardo is entitled to pension benefits, these may be revoked if any wrongdoing is proven.Roberto Bernardo’s legacy is a complex mix of technical achievement, administrative leadership, and public scrutiny. His story reflects both the promise and the challenges of governance in the Philippines, making him a notable figure in the country’s civil service history.
Roberto Bernardo Age
Roberto Bernardo was born on August 7, 1963, which makes him 62 years old as of 2025. His decades-long career in civil engineering and public service has spanned over 30 years, placing him among the most experienced figures in the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Roberto Bernardo Work
Roberto R. Bernardo is a respected Filipino civil engineer whose career in public service spans more than three decades.
Through years of dedication and technical expertise, he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Undersecretary for Regional Operations in 2017. Bernardo earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology, completing the program in just four and a half years. In 1999, he pursued further studies in Business Management at St. Francis of Assisi College, strengthening his leadership and administrative skills.Throughout his career, Bernardo held several key positions, including District Engineer, Assistant Regional Director, and OIC-City Engineer under former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
His work extended across major regions such as the Visayas, National Capital Region (NCR), and Region IV-B, where he oversaw infrastructure development projects that included roads, schools, and public facilities. His contributions to the DPWH were marked by a commitment to improving public infrastructure and streamlining regional operations. Bernardo is also an active member of professional organizations like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines (REAP), reflecting his continued engagement with the engineering community.
Roberto Bernardo Alleged Corruption
Roberto R. Bernardo, former Undersecretary for Regional Operations at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), became a key figure in a major corruption investigation in 2025. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee launched an inquiry into irregularities involving infrastructure projects, particularly flood control initiatives. During the hearings, Bernardo submitted a sworn affidavit in which he admitted to lapses in judgment and acknowledged his involvement in facilitating questionable transactions.
He revealed that certain project allocations were manipulated through backdoor negotiations, and commissions were allegedly distributed among officials and intermediaries. Bernardo named several individuals in his testimony, including lawmakers and contractors, and described how project inclusions in the national budget were influenced by personal and political interests.In his public statement, Bernardo expressed deep remorse, saying he had failed to uphold the integrity expected of his position.
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He apologized to the government, the Filipino people, and his family, and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. He emphasized his willingness to correct past mistakes and contribute to uncovering the truth behind systemic issues in infrastructure spending.Due to concerns for his safety following his disclosures, Bernardo applied for protection under the Witness Protection Program.
The Department of Justice granted him protected witness status, which provides security while his eligibility for full state witness designation is being evaluated. His testimony has prompted further investigations into the Department of Public Works and Highways and raised broader questions about transparency and accountability in public infrastructure management.
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