Roberto R. Bernardo, known as USEC Bernardo, is a retired Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines. Born on June 17, 1961, in Malolos, Bulacan, he has a long career spanning nearly four decades in civil engineering within the DPWH. He rose through various technical and managerial ranks from a Civil Engineering Aide starting in 1986 to senior leadership roles including Undersecretary for Regional Operations. His responsibilities covered supervision of regional offices and infrastructure projects in the Visayas, National Capital Region, and MIMAROPA regions.
Bernardo has been prominently mentioned in 2025 in Senate investigations regarding alleged anomalies and kickbacks in flood control projects, particularly those tied to Bulacan. Reports and whistleblower testimonies accuse him of involvement in the diversion of funds and orchestrating commissions related to these projects. As a central figure in these probes, he faced Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders and had his assets targeted for freezing by financial authorities. Despite the allegations, he has submitted affidavits and appeared before legislative bodies to answer questions and reportedly admitted some involvement in the anomalies. The investigations are ongoing, and outcomes on criminal or administrative charges have yet to be finalized.
In summary, USEC Roberto Bernardo is a seasoned civil engineer and former DPWH official who became a key figure in major controversy over flood control project anomalies in the Philippines in 2025.
