By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer testified before the Sandiganbayan that he allegedly facilitated the transfer of P90 million in so-called “commitment fees” intended for former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in connection with government infrastructure projects.
Henry Alcantara, former district engineer of DPWH Bulacan’s 1st Engineering District, made the disclosure while taking the witness stand in Revilla’s ongoing graft trial involving an alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
According to Alcantara, the money was turned over in 2025 to the driver of then-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He said the cash, packed in four to five boxes, came from advance payments allegedly collected from contractors who had secured government projects through the bidding process.
Alcantara told the court that Bernardo had informed him that Revilla was entitled to receive a 30-percent share from the commitment fees generated by the projects. However, he admitted he had no personal knowledge of whether the funds ultimately reached the former senator.
During his testimony, Alcantara also described what he called an “in-house contractor” arrangement within the district office.
He alleged that former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez and Engineer Jaypee Mendoza acted as de facto contractors, advancing funds that were later passed on to Bernardo for distribution to project proponents.
Alcantara further testified that he occasionally provided financial backing to the alleged in-house contractors.
Earlier court proceedings included testimony from contractor Sally Santos, a government witness, who claimed she allowed Hernandez to use her contractor’s license for project implementation.
Despite his testimony regarding the movement of funds, Alcantara maintained that he was unaware that some of the projects involved were allegedly non-existent.
He told the court that he relied on accomplishment reports and project certifications submitted by his subordinates when approving statements of work accomplished and certificates of monthly payment.
Alcantara said he trusted the officials under his supervision, describing them as individuals he treated like family.
He recalled that Bernardo later asked him to verify reports concerning the projects. Upon inquiry, Hernandez allegedly assured him that all projects had been implemented.
However, Alcantara said Engineer John Michael Ramos and Ernesto Galang subsequently informed him that certain projects could not be located during field verification.
Prosecutors allege that several DPWH officials conspired to facilitate the release of government funds for a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan that was reported as completed despite allegedly never being constructed.
Court records indicate that project engineers and finance personnel processed and approved documents supporting the release of payments, including accomplishment reports, billing documents, disbursement vouchers, and fund transfer instructions.
The Office of the Ombudsman claims the accused falsified official records to justify the disbursement of public funds for the questioned project.
Alcantara also disclosed that he is required to return P300 million to the government by 2027 as part of the conditions for his inclusion in the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program.
During the proceedings, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Musngi noted the disparity between the restitution amount and Alcantara’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, which reportedly lists assets totaling only about P18 million.
The trial continues as prosecutors seek to establish the alleged conspiracy behind the controversial flood control project and the release of government funds tied to the case.
ia/xf
