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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-DPWH district engineer in Bulacan found guilty of irregularities in 'ghost' flood control projects

Ex-DPWH district engineer in Bulacan found guilty of irregularities in 'ghost' flood control projects

Published Sep 5, 2025 01:10 pm

At A Glance

  • Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan First District Engineer, found guilty of irregularities in ghost flood control projects.
  • DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon cited disloyalty, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service.
  • Criminal charges will be recommended against Alcantara and other officials involved.
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)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has found former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara guilty of irregularities over "ghost" flood control projects in the province.
In a seven-page decision released Friday, Sept. 5, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ruled that Alcantara committed disloyalty to the Republic and the Filipino people, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, 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 approved non-existent projects, despite full government payments already made.
“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 (This serves as a warning to all DPWH officials and employees responsible for ghost and substandard projects, because, as the President said, we will not allow corrupt government personnel to go unpunished),” 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 (Following this, we will recommend to the appropriate offices the filing of criminal charges against Engineer Alcantara and other individuals involved to ensure justice for their blatant abuse of public funds),” 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.

Related Tags

Henry Alcantara DPWH adminstrative offenses criminal charges
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