Alcantara links solons to flood control anomalies

Agpoon, Dexter

September 23, 2025

Ex-DPWH Engr. Henry Alcantara in a Senate probe hearing. Photo from Rappler.

MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara named legislators who are allegedly linked to the ‘ghost’ flood control projects scandal during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing Tuesday.

On September 23, senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, ex-senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, and then-House lawmaker Mitch Cajayon were all mentioned by Alcantara as connected individuals in the Bulacan kickback schemes and substandard projects.

The dismissed Bulacan 1st District engineer testified before the senate committee and thoroughly laid out the insertions and shares that the mentioned officials acquired, citing them after revealing that Usec. Roberto Bernardo is tied, as well, functioning as a middleman for the solons.

“Narito po ako sa harapan ninyo upang tumulong nang buong puso sa abot ng aking makakaya, upang makapagbigay linaw sa [mga] katanungan sa imbestigasyong ito,” (I’m testifying before this hearing to help wholeheartedly, to the extent of my ability, in order to clarify the questions revolving around this investigation), Alcantara stated with the intention to guard the DPWH after serving for more than 30 years and to aid on the ongoing probe of the flood control issues and corruption.

Alcantara started by affirming the allegations directed both to Villanueva and Estrada — claims made by ex-DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez — linking Sen. Joel to the P1.5 billion-worth request in 2022 for a multi-purpose building, while involving Sen. Jinggoy to the alleged list of P355 million projects.

The ex-DPWH engineer further revealed how the other senators were involved, citing Revilla as recipient to the GAA (General Appropriations Act) insertions in 2024 worth P300 million, Co adding funds worth of P35 billion in projects for Bulacan, and Cajayon allegedly receiving 10% cut or shares from the kickback schemes, as well.

After his testimonies, Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla immediately prompted Alcantara to comply with the DOJ for a review of affidavit, along with the possibility of assessment and his admission to the Witness Protection Program.