MANILA — Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar on Thursday denied involvement in the alleged kickback scheme linked to projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying he is open to a full investigation.

His statement came after former DPWH undersecretary for operations Roberto Bernardo, in an affidavit presented during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, named him as among the high-ranking officials who supposedly received kickbacks.

“I deny the allegations made and want to state clearly that I welcome any investigation regarding this matter,” Olaivar said.

He added that he would voluntarily take a leave of absence to allow an impartial inquiry.

“To allow a fair inquiry, I will voluntarily take a leave of absence from my post and am ready to fully cooperate with any and all proceedings,” he said.

Bernardo earlier claimed that in 2024, Olaivar “requested” him for a list of projects worth P2.85 billion, with about 15 percent allegedly committed as “kickbacks” from unprogrammed appropriations. He said he first met Olaivar in 2010 while working under the office of former senator Ramon Revilla Jr., before later transferring to the offices of former senators Edgardo Angara and Sonny Angara. (PNA)