Ex-DPWH Engineer Surrenders Millions in Kickback Scheme, Offers Testimony Against Lawmakers

Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan First District Engineer, has returned approximately P110 million to the Philippine government, as confirmed by Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on November 28, 2025.

Ex-DPWH Engineer Surrenders Millions in Kickback Scheme, Offers Testimony Against Lawmakers

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | November 28, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – In an ongoing investigation into corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara has surrendered P110 million in cash to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The money, however, represents a portion of the P300 million Alcantara admits to receiving in kickbacks from flood control projects, a move that could implicate numerous other officials and potentially expose a widespread network of corruption.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced the surrender at a press conference, emphasizing that the recovered funds are “money unlawfully obtained” and represent a “recovery of the people’s money.”

The seized cash has been turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury for validation and deposit.

Alcantara’s decision to return the funds is seen as a crucial step towards securing his status as a state witness.

While the restitution demonstrates “good faith,” Vida clarified that it is just one factor considered in determining eligibility for the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Ultimately, the court will decide whether Alcantara’s testimony is credible and vital enough to warrant immunity from prosecution for his admitted crimes.

Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan First District Engineer, 

Kickbacks and Flood Control: A Corrupt System Exposed

According to the DOJ, the P300 million figure represents kickbacks Alcantara received from specific flood control projects in Balagtas and Pandi, Bulacan. DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that Alcantara’s affidavit details these transactions, forming the basis for ongoing preliminary investigations into malversation, graft (under Republic Act 3019), and perjury.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson previously revealed that Alcantara possesses “records” implicating lawmakers in the kickback scheme, suggesting the potential for the investigation to reach the highest levels of government.

Vida explained the methodology used to calculate the restitution amount.

A panel is evaluating Alcantara’s sworn statements, scrutinizing details such as the total value of projects he oversaw and the percentage he received in kickbacks.

For example, if Alcantara admits to delivering a P1 billion project and receiving a 2% kickback, that P20 million would be factored into the total restitution amount.

The DOJ expects the remaining P190 million to also be paid in cash.

State Witness Status Hinges on Truthfulness

While Alcantara has been provisionally admitted to the WPP, receiving government protection, full admission hinges on his honesty and willingness to testify truthfully in court.

Republic Act 6981, the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, grants the court the final say on whether a person can become a state witness.

The DOJ must issue a certification of WPP admission, followed by a petition to the court for the individual’s discharge from the information.

Vida emphasized that Alcantara’s successful admission as a state witness depends on his ability to provide credible and truthful testimony.

“Returning the money is a sign of good faith, proof of their desire to help the government,” Vida stated, but ultimately, the court will determine if his testimony is valuable enough to warrant immunity.

Alcantara is not the first individual connected to the DPWH scandal to offer restitution.

Engineers Brice Hernandez and the Discaya couple previously surrendered luxury vehicles to the government.

However, Alcantara’s cash surrender marks a significant escalation in the investigation.

Alcantara was dismissed from service by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon last September, following an investigation into his role in approving several flood control projects, including the P55 million reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan.

The ongoing investigation promises to uncover further details about the extent of corruption within the DPWH and potentially implicate numerous individuals in the alleged kickback scheme.

Alcantara’s cooperation, and the veracity of his testimony, will be crucial in bringing those responsible to justice and recovering stolen public funds.