Two dismissed engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have publicly denied reports that they are retracting their explosive testimonies related to an investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Firm Denials from Legal Counsels
In strong statements issued on January 13, 2026, lawyers for the former officials labeled claims of recantation as false. Emil Karlo Joven, the legal counsel for dismissed Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara, stated that reports about his client retracting prior statements are "categorically false and misleading."
Joven emphasized that Alcantara remains committed to his cooperation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). This cooperation is framed within a memorandum of agreement that served as a prerequisite for his admission into the government's Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program.
Similarly, lawyer Ernest Levanza, representing former assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez, affirmed that the alleged recantation is not true. The denials come after a lawyer for Senator Joel Villanueva claimed that Alcantara was planning to withdraw his affidavit.
The Core Allegations and P150 Million Delivery
The controversy stems from Alcantara's previous admission of involvement in the misuse of funds intended for flood control. He alleged that he delivered P150 million to Senator Joel Villanueva. According to Alcantara, this payment was meant to compensate for the senator's demand for a multipurpose building project in Bulacan valued at P1.5 billion.
A critical detail in Alcantara's testimony is his claim that Villanueva was unaware the funds originated from allocations for flood control projects. The dismissed engineer also implicated several other lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the alleged anomaly.
Potential Consequences of Recanting
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano has issued a stern warning regarding any potential recantation. He cautioned that retracting their statements would backfire on the engineers, as it would directly impact their continued admission into the witness protection program.
The legal counsels' statements seek to reinforce their clients' positions as cooperating witnesses. Joven reiterated that "Engr. Alcantara remains pledged to fulfilling his obligations under the memorandum of agreement to assist authorities in the pursuit of truth and accountability."
This development highlights the ongoing tension and high stakes in a major corruption investigation involving public infrastructure funds. The case continues to unfold as authorities seek to untangle the web of allegations surrounding the misuse of flood control project budgets.
