The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has found former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara guilty of irregularities involving “ghost” flood control projects in the province.
In a seven-page decision released Friday, Sept. 5, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ruled that Alcantara committed grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, disloyalty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The ruling stemmed from Alcantara’s admission before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he had approved non-existent projects.
“Respondent’s failure to safeguard public interest, resulting in the payment of ‘ghost’ projects, tarnished the image and integrity of DPWH,” the decision read.
Dizon said the ruling was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold accountable officials involved in anomalous public works projects.
“Ito ay isang babala sa mga opisyal at kawani ng DPWH na responsable sa mga ghost at substandard projects, dahil kagaya nga ng sinabi ni Pangulo, hindi natin hahayaan na hindi mapanagot ang mga tiwali sa pamahalaan,” Dizon said.
“Kasunod nito, kami ay magrerekomenda sa kaukulang tanggapan upang maghain ng criminal charges laban kay Engineer Alcantara at iba pang sangkot na indibidwal upang makamit ang hustisya sa kanilang ginawang pambababoy sa kaban ng bayan,” he added.
Alongside Alcantara, dismissal and criminal proceedings will also be pursued against former Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, Construction Section Chief Engineer Jaypee Mendoza, and Accountant III Juanito Mendoza of the Bulacan First District Engineering Office. (Trixee Rosel)
