Here’s a bombshell that’s shaking the political landscape: a former high-ranking official accused of dipping into government funds has also allegedly meddled in critical appointments within the Department of Justice (DOJ). But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t just about financial misconduct; it’s about the potential manipulation of power at the highest levels. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Wednesday that Adrian Bersamin, the ex-Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), didn’t just stop at alleged kickback schemes in the 2025 national budget—he also seemingly interfered with presidential appointments during Remulla’s tenure as DOJ Secretary.
Remulla’s statement came in response to questions about whether the Ombudsman would investigate claims made by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Bernardo alleged that Bersamin received billions in kickbacks from questionable flood control projects. And this is the part most people miss—Remulla hinted that Bersamin’s influence extended beyond financial irregularities, suggesting he played a role in appointments that bypassed proper consultation with the DOJ.
“This has been on my radar for a while,” Remulla explained. “We experienced instances at the DOJ where it appeared he interfered in the appointment process. Some officials were appointed without our input, and we believe he had a hand in it.” This raises serious questions about the integrity of the appointment system and the extent of Bersamin’s reach within government circles.
GMA Integrated News is actively seeking Bersamin’s response to these allegations and will publish it as soon as it’s available. Meanwhile, Remulla emphasized the credibility of Bernardo’s claims, which include accusations that Bersamin and another official, Trygve Olaivar, moved large sums of money using armored vans—a scheme Bernardo described as akin to money laundering. Here’s the kicker: Remulla, a former DOJ Secretary, finds these allegations believable, though he stressed the need to examine all evidence thoroughly.
Bersamin, reportedly the grandnephew of Lucas Bersamin (who recently resigned as Executive Secretary), held a key position in the PLLO, the executive branch’s primary liaison with Congress. Both Bersamin and Olaivar have since resigned from their posts. Remulla described their alleged actions as “horrifying,” involving the transfer of money between armored vans in a way that suggests systemic corruption.
Despite the shocking nature of these claims, Remulla clarified that the Ombudsman must follow due process. “These stories are chilling, and I believe they’re credible,” he said. “But we’ll also review other evidence to ensure a fair investigation.” Graft investigators, he added, are already on alert whenever credible allegations surface, regardless of the individuals involved. But here’s the question that lingers: How deep does this corruption go, and who else might be implicated?
For a preliminary investigation to move forward, Remulla noted, a sworn statement of the allegations is required. This case not only highlights the alleged misdeeds of a few but also raises broader concerns about transparency and accountability in government. What do you think? Are these allegations the tip of the iceberg, or an isolated incident? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
