DPWH engineer sacked over ghost flood projects, faces criminal raps

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the dismissal of Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara and his entire office after the discovery of ghost flood control projects in the province, with criminal charges now being readied against him.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed Alcantara’s removal, saying the move was part of a sweeping crackdown on anomalous infrastructure projects.

“I will call for a summary dismissal,” Dizon said, adding that he would recommend the filing of criminal complaints against Alcantara.

The Secretary disclosed that another suspected ghost project was uncovered in Bulacan, and the contractor appeared to have rushed its construction just three weeks ago in response to the ongoing probe.

As part of the crackdown, the DPWH also permanently blacklisted Wawao Builders, one of its major flood control contractors.

The controversy deepened after Alcantara admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he and former assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez had frequented casinos.

This prompted Malacañang to warn DPWH officials involved in gambling activities that they could face both administrative and criminal sanctions.

“Maaari po itong makasuhan under RA (Republic Act) 6713, depende pa po kung ano pa ‘yung maaari pa niyang nagawa. [It] can be administrative case, [it] can be criminal case,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters.

RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, prohibits government workers from engaging in activities that erode public trust, including gambling.

“Alam po nila iyan, hindi na po sila dapat pagsabihan. Kahit po ‘yung online gambling, hindi pupuwede iyon, bawal po iyon,” Castro stressed. “Malalaki na po sila. Responsibilidad nila iyan na dapat matino silang public official.”

Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier alleged that at least two DPWH officials from Bulacan lost over ₱300 million each in casino gambling, even using fictitious names to hide their identities./PN