MANILA — A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer in Bulacan has surrendered ₱110 million in cash to the Department of Justice — money prosecutors say is part of a massive ₱300-million kickback haul from rigged flood-control projects.

The stacks of cash were handed over by ex-Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, who is now seeking state witness status as investigators dig deeper into corruption tied to major infrastructure projects.

“This is a portion of the amount,” Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters as he presented boxes of bills turned over by Alcantara. “Ito po ay parte ng restitution.”

Vida said the money represents only part of the alleged kickbacks Alcantara admitted receiving. “Basically, the restitution amount is based on… we look at the averments, their statements on how these amounts accumulated from certain transactions. This P300 million is only for those particular cases,” he explained.

The DOJ chief added that Alcantara struggled to deliver the funds immediately. “Nabanggit niya sa akin nahirapan raw siya kasi siya ay nakadetain sa Senate tapos kailangan pa raw niya ng dagdag na panahon,” Vida said.

Kickbacks Tied to Bulacan Flood Projects

While Vida did not list all the cases involved, he confirmed they relate to allegations of malversation, graft under RA 3019, and perjury, many of which are still under preliminary investigation. The complaints involve flood-control projects in the towns of Balagtas and Pandi.

According to Vida, the full ₱300-million restitution is based on Alcantara’s own admissions. A DOJ panel is reviewing his sworn statements.

“We have a panel evaluating, di ba? Medyo so, simple lang po. Pag sinabi niya, nag-deliver ako ng ganito. Nag-deliver ako ng total ng 1 billion pesos. At dito po sa deliver ko ng 1 billion pesos, meron po akong kinita 2 percent. Kasama siya sa mga salaysay niya. Inuuri namin yung salaysay, at doon po namin binabase ang computation,” he said.

Another ₱190 million still has to be paid — also in cash.

“This is money unlawfully obtained by Engr. Henry Alcantra,” Vida said. “This is recovery of the people’s money.”

The DOJ has since turned over the money to the Bureau of the Treasury, where Land Bank representatives will count and validate the bills “to determine whether they are counterfeit.” After this, Vida said, “They will issue a certification that they received this particular amount and an official receipt.”

Bid for State Witness Status

“Returning the money is a sign of good faith, proof of their desire to help the government,” Vida said, noting that Alcantara is provisionally admitted into the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program — receiving protection but not yet immunity.

But restitution alone doesn’t guarantee a walk-free deal.

Under the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act (RA 6981), only a court can ultimately approve full state witness status. “The court shall order the discharge and exclusion of the said accused from the information,” the law states.

Vida emphasized that honesty and truthful testimony are crucial. The DOJ, he said, does not offer sweeping protection. “Hindi ho nagbibigay ang DOJ ng blanket immunity,” he warned.

Alcantara is the first suspect in the flood-control probe to surrender cash. Others — including Engr. Brice Hernandez and the Discaya couple — previously handed over luxury vehicles linked to the alleged kickback system.

Alcantara, who approved various multimillion-peso flood projects — including a ₱55-million reinforced concrete river wall in Baliwag’s Barangay Piel — was dismissed from service last September by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Despite his cooperation, Vida said Alcantara will still “be held accountable” in other pending cases.

📷 DOJ PIO