The Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun evaluating Henry Alcantara, former head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First Engineering Office, as a potential state witness in the alleged anomalies surrounding government flood control projects.
This development follows Alcantara’s explosive testimony during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 23, where he implicated several lawmakers and senior DPWH officials in a multi-billion-peso kickback scheme. According to Alcantara, between 2022 and 2025, as much as 25 to 30 percent of public infrastructure funds were siphoned off as kickbacks
In a signed affidavit he read during the hearing, Alcantara provided a full account of how the scheme worked and identified key figures allegedly involved, including former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Senator Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and contractors such as Ferdstar Builders.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla confirmed that Alcantara has expressed his willingness to cooperate and even return the funds he received from the controversial projects.
“The gesture of restitution is there,” Remulla said, noting that Alcantara’s statement could be pivotal in unraveling the scheme.
“We have to prepare the questions we want him to answer. Kailangan mag-homework din kami based on his statement and our research.”
Alcantara’s evaluation comes amid a broader DOJ effort to identify credible witnesses in the case.
Remulla revealed that former DPWH Bulacan First District assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez has also signaled intent to testify, with his lawyer recently submitting a formal request for consideration.
Last week, the DOJ began assessing the application of spouses Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, who likewise volunteered to become state witnesses.
“All those who sought to become state witnesses will undergo thorough evaluation,” Remulla emphasized. “Kailangan himayin natin ‘yung buong problema bago tayo mamili ng maayos na testigo.”
In parallel with these developments, the DOJ has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze additional bank accounts linked to the alleged scam.
“Naka-submit kami sa AMLC ng mga dokumentong kinakailangan para mag-freeze sila ng mga bank accounts,” Remulla said. Just last week, the AMLC secured two freeze orders from the Court of Appeals, covering 727 bank accounts and other assets believed tied to the anomalies. (Jeffrey Damicog, Dhel Nazario)
