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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Henry Alcantara dismissed from service, to face Ombudsman charges—DPWH

Henry Alcantara dismissed from service, to face Ombudsman charges—DPWH

Published Sep 4, 2025 11:35 am

At A Glance

  • DPWH confirms dismissal of Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara
  • Agency to recommend filing of charges before the Ombudsman next week
  • Alcantara admitted signing off on a P55-million ghost project in Baliwag
Former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testifies before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 1, 2025, during the inquiry into alleged ghost flood control projects. (Mark Balmores | MB)
Former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testifies before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 1, 2025, during the inquiry into alleged ghost flood control projects. (Mark Balmores | MB)
Former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara has been dismissed from service after admitting involvement in ghost flood control projects and alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso infrastructure works, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday, Sept. 4.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed Alcantara’s dismissal during an inspection of a flood control project in Barangay Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan.
He said the agency’s legal service will recommend the filing of criminal charges, with the former district engineer set to face the Ombudsman next week.
“He is now dismissed. I will call for summary dismissal of Henry Alcantara,” Dizon said, adding the charges would involve theft of public funds.
Alcantara, in a Senate hearing on Tuesday, admitted issuing a certificate of completion for the P55-million reinforced concrete river wall project in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, which was later exposed as a ghost project.
He said he relied on a final inspection report prepared by his team.
He also confessed to using an alias and a fake ID to enter a casino, a violation of the Administrative Code of 1987 that prohibits government employees from gambling.
As district engineer, Alcantara supervised 13 municipalities, including several flood-prone areas.
Records show his office managed 450 flood control projects worth P28.9 billion from 2022 to 2025—the largest allocation among DPWH implementing units.
The Baliwag river wall was contracted to Syms Construction Trading, the same company flagged for involvement in the ghost project.
Dizon said dismissal proceedings will also be pursued against Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, officials linked to the Bulacan district engineering office under Alcantara’s leadership.

Related Tags

DPWH Vince Dizon Henry Alcantara Bulacan ghost projects
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