In a significant development in the ongoing plunder case against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, a witness has claimed to have seen the senator during a delivery of boxes. Vergel Nino Garcia, a former aide to Roberto Bernardo, made this assertion during a bail hearing on Thursday.
Garcia testified that he delivered 12 boxes to Estrada at the Artiaga Building in San Juan City in November 2024. He described seeing Estrada dressed casually, wearing a t-shirt, pants, and leather shoes.
Implications of Allegations
During that time of my first affidavit, I have no confirmation, I have no solid evidence that will prove his involvement. I have already in my mind that he is a proponent of projects, but I have to confirm first.
Roberto Bernardo, Former DPWH Undersecretary
The 2024 delivery is part of a larger investigation into Estrada’s alleged involvement in a P573-million plunder case, which includes accusations of kickbacks related to government projects.
- Garcia delivered boxes to several officials, including former senator Bong Revilla.
- He mentioned that Bernardo's driver accompanied him during these deliveries.
Garcia clarified that he did not inspect the contents of the boxes he delivered, which were sent on Bernardo's instructions. After completing the delivery, he reportedly contacted Bernardo to confirm it.
Bernardo, who has been cooperating with investigators, noted that he had been present for only one of four alleged deliveries of kickbacks to Estrada between 2024 and 2025. He expressed the difficulty of implicating a friend, stating that he required solid evidence before making any accusations.