By I. Inojales | 01:53 PM September 25, 2025
Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar on Thursday distanced himself from allegations linking him to questionable infrastructure projects, stressing that he welcomes an impartial investigation and will step aside to allow due process.
Olaivar’s name surfaced during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged irregularities in government-funded infrastructure, where former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo tagged him and several politicians in supposed fund cuts from projects worth billions of pesos.
“I categorically deny the allegations against me,” Olaivar said in a statement. “To ensure a fair and unhampered inquiry, I will voluntarily take a leave of absence from my post and will cooperate fully with all proceedings.”
Olaivar, who hails from Candijay, Bohol, is the husband of Mayor Thamar Olaivar.
In his testimony, Bernardo claimed that Olaivar, who previously worked under then-senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Sonny Angara, sought meetings to discuss unprogrammed funds under the Office of the Executive Secretary. He alleged that Olaivar asked him to prepare a list of projects, later pegged at ₱2.85 billion, and that they agreed on a 15 percent cut supposedly delivered to Olaivar.
Olaivar firmly rejected these claims, asserting that he is ready to face any scrutiny to clear his name.
The Senate panel continues its probe into what it calls systemic anomalies in infrastructure projects, with several former and incumbent officials under scrutiny.
