Politics · Philippines Bureau
Former DPWH aide alleges P5 billion kickback scheme in flood projects
A former staff member of a dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways official testified that at least P5 billion in kickbacks were collected from flood control projects. The witness named several lawmakers and government officials as beneficiaries of the alleged scheme.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A former employee of dismissed DPWH official Henry Alcantara has testified before the Sandiganbayan that approximately P5 billion in kickbacks were extracted from flood control infrastructure projects, allegedly benefiting various lawmakers and government officials.
Carlo Rivera, the ex-staff member, provided testimony on Tuesday detailing how the funds were collected on behalf of officials who acted as "proponents" for the projects. Rivera's account suggests a coordinated scheme involving multiple high-ranking government figures who allegedly profited from public works allocations intended for flood mitigation across the Philippines.
The testimony adds to ongoing investigations into misappropriation of public funds within the DPWH, one of the country's largest infrastructure agencies. The allegations underscore persistent concerns about graft and corruption in the management of crucial development projects.
Alcantara, a senior DPWH official, was previously dismissed from his position. The Sandiganbayan hearing marks a significant development in efforts to hold those responsible accountable for the alleged diversion of billions in taxpayer funds from critical infrastructure initiatives.