MANILA — A former assistant district engineer has alleged that nearly all public works projects in Bulacan’s 1st District were either “substandard” or “under-designed,” with up to half of the allocated funds lost to kickbacks.

Speaking before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez testified that infrastructure projects under their office from 2019 to 2025 consistently failed to meet design specifications.

“Wala pong tumama sa naka-specify sa plano, hindi po na-meet lahat ‘yun. Lahat [may porsyentuhan],” Hernandez said, referring to alleged widespread profit-sharing in project implementation.

He said the irregularities began when Henry Alcantara assumed the role of district engineer in 2019. When asked by Senator Bam Aquino if any project was ever properly implemented, Hernandez replied: “Wala po.”

‘Under-Designed,’ Not Necessarily ‘Substandard’

The revelations drew concern from lawmakers, with Senator Erwin Tulfo warning that such practices could endanger lives. Hernandez later clarified that the term “under-designed” might be more accurate than “substandard.”

“Kung ano po ang plano ang pinapagawa ‘yun mismo ang ginagawa natin. Pero ang program na ibi-bid sa opisina mas malaki, para bloated po siya para may pagkukunan sa proponent,” he explained.

According to Hernandez, project costs were deliberately inflated by overstating material quantities and prices. He cited examples of compromised quality, such as the use of cheaper concrete with longer curing times.

“Instead of using concrete that’s ready in three days, they buy concrete that’s only ready after 15–28 days. Mas mura, at mas mababa ang strength,” he said.

He added that while some projects were shortened in length, the more pressing issue was the poor quality of materials and execution.

Kickbacks and Bloated Budgets

Hernandez alleged that only 30–50% of project funds were used for actual construction, with the remainder diverted to kickbacks.

“Ang napapaboran na contractor ay ‘yung nagbibigay ng 2% kay boss Henry na additional,” he said, adding that DPWH engineers typically received 8%, plus another 2% from contractors.

He explained that kickback rates varied depending on the type of project:

“If it’s vertical or buildings, the kickback is lower or only at 10%, because it would be too dangerous to rig a standing structure. But if it’s horizontal like a road or flood control structure, the kickback is higher because the danger is supposedly lesser.”

Senate of the Philippines