Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-DPWH Official Allegedly Received P5 Billion in Contractor Kickbacks
A former undersecretary at the Department of Public Works and Highways allegedly received at least P5 billion in kickbacks from contractors, according to testimony from his former staff member before the anti-graft court.
LSN Philippines ·
Former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Henry Alcantara allegedly accumulated at least P5 billion in kickbacks from contractors, with the funds intended for delivery to project proponents, according to testimony presented before the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday.
Carlo Rivera, identified as Alcantara's former staff member, disclosed the alleged scheme while testifying as a state witness in the anti-graft court. Rivera's account provides a detailed account of how contractors channeled payments through Alcantara, who held a key position overseeing major infrastructure projects.
The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' primary court handling corruption cases involving public officials, continues to hear evidence regarding the alleged kickback scheme. The case centers on whether Alcantara used his government position to facilitate payments from private contractors to himself and other individuals.
Rivera's testimony marks a significant development in the investigation, as insider accounts from those who worked closely with the accused official are typically considered crucial evidence in establishing patterns of alleged corruption.