Senate Cites Former DPWH Engineer Henry Alcantara in Contempt Over Ghost Project Allegations

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has cited former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Henry Alcantara in contempt following his denial of any involvement in ghost project kickbacks linked to Bulacan. Alcantara's subordinate, dismissed Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, testified that they were both implicated in the scheme alongside Bulacan engineers Jaypee Hernandez and Paul Duya.

Brice Hernandez claimed that Alcantara received 40 percent of the DPWH's share from these illicit earnings, while he, Jaypee Hernandez, and Duya each received 20 percent. When questioned about the motivation behind executing ghost projects, Hernandez stated it was driven by the desire to secure a larger "tara" or cut destined for those initiating the projects. However, he admitted to not knowing the identities of the project proponents or ever communicating with them directly.

Alcantara refuted these allegations, asserting no acquaintance with the project proponents and pointing out that Hernandez frequently implicated him in discussions about irregularities. He added that contractors involved had testified to dealing directly with Hernandez, not with him.

The former engineer also stated that his office was unaware of budget increases for flood control projects and denied any connection to ghost projects. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Sen. Erwin Tulfo expressed skepticism toward Alcantara's claims, remarking, "Your subordinates are all at fault, but you have none? As District Engineer, you were unaware of ghost projects? You didn’t know your budget ballooned? Did those figures not pass through your desk?"

Alcantara maintained that he only implemented projects explicitly listed in the General Appropriations Act and reiterated his lack of knowledge regarding ghost projects. Rejecting his defense, Sen. Tulfo moved to cite Alcantara in contempt for providing false testimony, a motion which the committee approved.

As a result, Alcantara is to be detained at the Senate alongside contractor Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya as the investigation continues.