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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Recantation of ex-DPWH officials' testimonies in flood control mess: 'Seems like noise to us' -- Ombudsman

Recantation of ex-DPWH officials' testimonies in flood control mess: 'Seems like noise to us' -- Ombudsman

Published Jan 12, 2026 03:43 pm
The reported recantation of the testimonies of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Bulacan in the flood control anomalies “seems like noise to us,” Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV said.
Should their recantations push through, they will hurt their pleas for admission as state witnesses, Clavano said.
Clavano’s statement was issued on Monday, Jan. 12, in reaction to reports that former Bulacan First District Engineering Office chief Henry Alcantara and former assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza have decided to recant their testimonies in the flood-control scam.
Alcantara's reported decision to recant his counter-affidavit allegedly came from a lawyer of Sen. Joel Villanueva, one of the legislators linked in the flood control mess.
Alcantara testified on Sept. 23, 2025 that he delivered P150 million kickbacks to the aide of Villanueva in exchange for his help in "whatever future plans" he has. However, Alcantara said that Villanueva did not know that the money came from flood-control projects.
Senator Villanueva has denied the allegations and has filed his counter-affidavit.
Other senators identified by Alcantara include Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla who have both denied the allegations. Revilla has also filed his counter-affidavit.
Alcantara also testified that he delivered money to the aides of resigned congressman Zaldy Co at the latter's residence in Pasig City and at the parking lot in Taguig City.
Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has not received or reviewed any affidavit from Alcantara recanting his previous statements.
“There has been no official recantation by Alcantara whether written or verbal,” the DOJ also said.
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