Witness Testifies P299 Million Cash in Grocery Boxes Delivered to DPWH Official's Office
In a shocking revelation at the Sandiganbayan hearing, a witness disclosed that approximately P299 million in cash, simply packed in grocery boxes, was allegedly delivered to the office of a former official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The testimony, delivered this Monday by Monica Ocampo-Santos, a liaison officer for contractor SYMS Construction, implicated former DPWH Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez in the controversial transaction.
Details of the Cash Delivery and Contract Links
According to Ocampo-Santos, the substantial sum was purportedly allocated for the construction of five government contracts secured by SYMS Construction. These contracts were won using a license borrowed from Hernandez, raising serious questions about ethical practices and potential corruption within the department. When questioned in court about how such a massive amount of money was transported, Ocampo-Santos provided detailed insights into their transaction methods, though specifics were not fully disclosed to the public.
Connection to Ghost Project and Malversation Case
Further intensifying the scandal, Ocampo-Santos pointed out that the P299 million included P74 million allegedly obtained by Hernandez from a suspected ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan, valued at P92.8 million. This project is at the heart of a malversation case currently facing former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Hernandez, and five other DPWH officials. The case highlights broader issues of fund mismanagement and alleged fraudulent activities in government infrastructure projects.
Evidence Presented in Court
To substantiate her claims, the witness presented screenshots of text message exchanges with Hernandez dated May 19, 2025. In these messages, Hernandez reportedly confirmed the delivery of the money, scheduled for the following afternoon on May 20. This digital evidence adds a layer of credibility to the testimony, potentially strengthening the prosecution's case in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The revelations have sparked public outrage and calls for stricter oversight in government contracting processes, as authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the alleged corruption.
