MANILA — State witness and former Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region regional director Gerard Opulencia admitted receiving as much as P1 million in “pasasalamat” or token gifts from contractors during his tenure as district engineer of North Manila.

In a report, Opulencia made the admission during his testimony before the Sandiganbayan Third Division in the bail hearing of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and five co-accused in a malversation case linked to a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

“May natatanggap po ako na pasasalamat from contractors kapag maayos naman po ang mga proyekto,” Opulencia said when asked by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno if he had received money from contractors during his time as district engineer.

“P1 million po,” he added when pressed on the highest amount he received.

Opulencia also testified that, as NCR regional director, he instructed four district engineers to collect “commitment fees” intended for delivery to certain recipients, including public officials, allegedly upon the instructions of fellow state witness and former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

However, he said he had no knowledge of how the district engineers actually collected the funds.

“Hindi ko po alam (I don’t know). I don’t have personal knowledge,” Opulencia said.

His statement drew sharp reaction from Sandiganbayan Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda.

“I cannot believe you.”

“Iinutos mo tapos di mo alam paano kukunin? Pinaglololoko mo ba kami? This is a public hearing. You were given immunity from suit. You should tell the whole truth,” Miranda said.

Opulencia insisted he had no knowledge of the collection process.

He also confirmed that he previously committed to return P150 million to the government as a requirement for his application as a state witness under the supervision of the Department of Justice.

During the hearing, he said he has already returned P130 million of that amount.

When asked how the P150 million figure was determined, Opulencia said it was “based on the assessment of the DOJ.”

Miranda later expressed doubt over Opulencia’s eligibility for immunity.

“Nag-iisip ako if you truly deserve it,” he said.