An official of the Department of Justice clarified that the P110 million returned by former Department of Public Works and Highways–Bulacan engineer Henry Alcantara was not directly tied to his application as a state witness under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program, although it formed part of the memorandum of agreement he signed with the Secretary of Justice.

This was the clarification made Wednesday by Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.

“The P110 million returned reflects the projects detailed in his testimony and the percentage of illicit proceeds he received,” Fadullon said, stressing that the restitution was separate from Alcantara’s coverage as a state witness.

He said the full P300 million represents Alcantara’s alleged illegal earnings from multiple flood control projects, with additional repayments possible if further assets are identified outside the memorandum’s scope.

Fadullon noted that the returned funds were not withdrawn from Alcantara’s bank accounts due to freeze orders and that the DOJ does not yet know the exact source of the cash.

He said, “We do not know if it was hidden in his residence or elsewhere, but it was turned over to the DOJ last Friday,” emphasizing that state witness status does not grant blanket immunity. Individuals may still face charges for other offenses outside their memorandum of agreement, depending on evidence gathered.

“The restitution is part of the agreement acknowledging his involvement and willingness to testify for the state, but it does not absolve him from accountability in other cases,” Fadullon said.

Alcantara’s restitution is being carefully reviewed by the DOJ to ensure proper accounting and adherence to legal procedures.

Fadullon reiterated that admissions alone are insufficient to file cases, adding, “Independent evidence is needed to ensure accountability.”