Manila: Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara will cooperate with the probe on anomalous flood control projects, including returning government funds as restitution. After meeting with Alcantara Tuesday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters that the dismissed DPWH official expressed willingness to return illegally obtained funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla mentioned that although they have not reached a conclusion, Alcantara’s gesture for restitution is evident. Remulla refrained from commenting on Alcantara’s potential role as a state witness, indicating that further vetting is necessary before any decisions are made. He noted that the meeting with Alcantara was the first in a series intended to assess his eligibility as a state witness. Remulla added that another meeting with Alcantara is planned within the week to finalize matters.

The controversy, as per Alcantara’s statement, began in 2022 during his tenure as district engineer in the City of Malolos. Remulla also revealed plans to meet with other possible witnesses, including Alcantara’s deputy, Brice Hernandez. He mentioned receiving a letter from a lawyer requesting consideration of Hernandez as a state witness, indicating that the DOJ will be busy in the coming days with witness vetting.

Remulla cautioned that any decisions regarding the witness protection program will take time, emphasizing the need for thorough examination of all details before selecting suitable witnesses. Additionally, the DOJ has submitted documents to the Anti Money Laundering Council to freeze the assets of those implicated in the controversy.