By I. Inojales | 12:17 PM September 25, 2025
MANILA – A former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implicated Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar in the alleged misuse of billions in unprogrammed appropriations.
In his affidavit submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo said that in 2024, Olaivar personally called him to a meeting to discuss “unprogrammed appropriations” supposedly intended for the Office of the Executive Secretary. During the meeting, Olaivar allegedly asked him to submit a list of projects.
Bernardo said he then instructed DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office to prepare the list, which was later submitted to Olaivar. The projects amounted to P2.85 billion.
“Subsequently, I submitted this list to Usec. Olaivar. Usec. Olaivar told me that the commitment is 15%. In his words, ‘Boss, kinse yan,’” Bernardo stated in his affidavit.
The DPWH later received a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) worth P2.85 billion for the said projects. Bernardo said Engineer Henry Alcantara was tasked to collect and deliver the agreed 15% “commitment,” which was then turned over to Olaivar in different locations, including Magallanes and Makati.
Olaivar, a native of Bohol, previously worked for Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Edgardo Angara, and Sonny Angara before being appointed as undersecretary for DepEd. He is also the husband of Candijay, Bohol Mayor Thamar Olaivar.
Bohol Island News is open to publishing the side of Usec. Trygve Olaivar regarding these allegations.
