Dismissed Bulacan Engineer Vows Full Cooperation
Henry Alcantara, the dismissed Bulacan district engineer, has declared he has no intention to flee and plans to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations into the anomalous flood control projects in his district. His legal team emphasized that Alcantara is committed to clearing his name amid the controversy surrounding these projects.
According to sources close to the case, Alcantara’s lawyers from the Flaminiano Arroyo & Dueñas firm insisted that their client would actively assist authorities in all inquiries. They also denied claims labeling him as the mastermind behind the so-called ghost flood control projects in Bulacan province.
Lawyers Reject Allegations of Mastermind Role
“Engr. Alcantara maintains his innocence: he did not author these alleged ghost projects,” representatives for Alcantara said. They added that any irregularities occurred without his knowledge, consent, or approval. His legal team assured that he will contest every accusation suggesting his involvement or benefit from unlawful schemes.
Admission of Negligence in Flood Control Projects
During the House infrastructure committee’s first hearing, Alcantara admitted to being negligent in signing completion certificates for a P55-million flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan. The project was later revealed to be nonexistent when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected the site.
In addition to the Baliuag project, officials reported that another substandard flood control structure worth P94.6 million in Bulusan, Calumpit, awarded to St. Timothy Construction Company, also had Alcantara’s approval. Furthermore, a P74.6 million flood mitigation structure in Calumpit, contracted to Wawao Builders—one of the top contractors under the current administration—was similarly approved by him.
Denial of Knowledge Regarding Ghost Projects
Despite these revelations, Alcantara denied any knowledge that these projects were ghost projects. However, he acknowledged requesting their inclusion in the National Expenditure Program for funding purposes.
Official Dismissal and Charges
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon ordered Alcantara’s dismissal from service, citing charges including disloyalty to the republic, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.
Calls for Cooperation and Truth-Seeking
Community leaders and lawmakers urged Alcantara to continue appearing before the House infrastructure committee and other investigative bodies. Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon challenged him to participate fully in uncovering the truth behind the ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office, which he led during the implementation of the questioned projects.
“He must assist in finding the truth behind the ghost and substandard projects in the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office — the office he led during the implementation of the anomalous projects which are now subject of inquiry,” Ridon said.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
