Former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Alcantara Testifies Before Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

Former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara has delivered a sworn statement before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, detailing the alleged system of kickbacks referred to as “obligations” involving lawmakers and officials in infrastructure projects.

In his testimony, Alcantara pointed to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as his superior who directed the percentage allocations in project funds. He claimed Bernardo was instrumental in securing his appointment as district engineer in Bulacan.

According to Alcantara, the practice began in 2022 when funds were first released to his office. At the time, he said, 25 percent of project allocations went to proponents. By 2024, however, when his district engineering office received ₱2.85 billion in unprogrammed appropriations, the percentage allegedly rose to 30 percent for flood control projects and 25 percent for other projects.

Alcantara also named several lawmakers as alleged beneficiaries of these arrangements:

• Former Senator Bong Revilla, who purportedly received ₱300 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
• Senator Jinggoy Estrada, allegedly linked to ₱355 million under the 2025 budget.
• Senator Joel Villanueva, said to have ₱600 million under the unprogrammed funds of the 2023 budget.
• Former Representative Mitch Cajayon, who reportedly secured ₱411 million in insertions under the 2022 GAA.
• Representative Zaldy Co, who Alcantara claimed sponsored projects in Bulacan’s 1st District worth over ₱35 billion between 2022 and 2025. He noted that Co’s alleged share rose from 20 percent in 2022 to 25 percent in 2023.

In addition, Alcantara mentioned Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, who he alleged facilitated ₱500 million worth of projects in his district.

Following his testimony, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla took Alcantara to his office to further evaluate his sworn statement and consider his possible inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail