DOJ acting chief confirms return of P110M by ex-Bulacan engineer Alcantara

Department of Justice Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida on Friday announced the return of P110 million to the national coffers by former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Vida said the amount turned over forms part of the estimated P300 million Alcantara allegedly earned through kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects.

The announcement was made during a press conference where representatives from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) were present to validate and process the returned amount.

The DOJ acting chief said that the money's return is a step toward justice and a demonstration of good faith by Alcantara, who is seeking admission under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

Vida said Alcantara is already provisionally admitted in the government's Witness Protection Program (WPP).

"Returning the nmoney is part of showing their good faith that they want to be state witness. The return of stolen money is part of the aim to get justice. This is the money of the people, this is recovery of people's money. Ang nakaulimbat mo, ibalik ninyo sa taongbayan," he said.

"The money will be given back to the pocket of the people. The Bureau of Treasury will issue the receipt, they will check the money to determine if it is not counterfeit, if lesser, the Landbank has the process to do it,” said Vida.

Vida clarified that while Alcantara's restitution shows cooperation, his admission to the WPP is strictly provisional and not a blanket immunity from all his liabilities.

According to authorities, the P110 million is an initial tranche of the estimated P300 million Alcantara unlawfully obtained based on his own admission.

Vida, though, clarified that the discharge from criminal liability applies only to the specific amounts and cases mentioned in Alcantara's testimony and covered by the restitution.

"The provisional admission [under the Witness Protection Program] is on the issue alone, not overall,” Vida pointed out. He said that if the government discovers Alcantara is withholding information or has gained more money, he will not be absolved of liability on those undeclared matters.

The process was outlined by Vida to ensure the funds are properly accounted for and returned to the nation's coffers.

The Land Bank of the Philippines representatives, after returning the amount, are responsible for counting the cash, checking for counterfeits, and certifying the correct amount.

The Bureau of Treasury, once verified, will issue an official receipt, marking the formal return of the funds to the national treasury.

Vida noted that the investigation relies heavily on the veracity of Alcantara's tell-all testimony.

He said the government remains convinced that Alcantara's total kickbacks are P300 million but is awaiting the remainder of the agreed-upon restitution.

"What they have taken should be given back to the people. So we are waiting for him to show good faith,” Vida said.