Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claims against Senator Chiz are not new. These allegations have been denied and and refuted before.
This according to Atty. Ramon S. Esguerra. Counsel for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
There is no direct evidence presented in the testimony of Bernardo linking Senator Chiz to any criminal act.
Bernardo revealed that Escudero, who was earlier linked to P142.7 billion in budget insertions in the 2025 spending program, pocketed 20 percent in “commitment” fee for allegedly facilitating the funding for P1.4 billion worth of DPWH contracts.
Esguerra added that Speculations and insinuations are not evidence. These are at best hearsay, lack basis, and are self-serving statements that will not stand in any court of law.
“We believe that these allegations are merely designed to besmirch and destroy Senator Chiz’s reputation, as well as that of the Senate” his lawyer said.
Esguerra expressed his confidence that the facts and evidence will vindicate the senator and the allegations against him are malicious and baseless, and prove that he is innocent.