Manila: Former Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, now under the custody of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has sought protection under the Witness Protection Program as he detailed in a sworn statement the alleged involvement of several lawmakers in anomalous flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alcantara, who was earlier cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, presented his affidavit during Tuesday’s hearing, naming former senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Joel Villanueva, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy as among those linked to questionable insertions.
He identified Co as the ‘top proponent’ of flood control insertions amounting to PHP35 billion from 2022 to 2025. Alcantara added that former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told him about a PHP300-million General Appropriations Act insertion in 2024 supposedly intended for Revilla.
In his sworn statement, Alcantara quoted Bernardo as saying that the PHP300-million GAA insertion in 2024 was for Senator Bong Revilla, who at that time was running for senator in 2025. However, Alcantara clarified that he never directly spoke with Revilla.
The affidavit also linked Estrada to PHP355 million worth of projects, while Villanueva was tagged in PHP150 million worth of allocations. Senator Mark Villar, who previously served as DPWH secretary, and Cajayon-Uy were also mentioned by Alcantara.
During the hearing, senators were shown photographs of stacks of cash allegedly connected to the so-called ‘proponents’ fund,’ which Alcantara said formed part of the anomalous transactions. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who escorted Alcantara out of the Senate Session Hall to process his affidavit, emphasized the importance of the sworn statement for pursuing charges.
Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson allowed Remulla to bring Alcantara to the DOJ on condition that he be returned for further questioning. Remulla assured the panel of compliance, stating that Alcantara would be brought back for further questioning in the afternoon.
