A P40 million partial return from an alleged P150 million in flood control project kickbacks was made by former Department of Public Works and Highways–National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) regional director Engineer Gerard Opulencia on Tuesday.

DOJ Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Frederick Vida confirmed the turn-over. Representatives from the Bureau of the Treasury and other government officials witnessed the transaction. The returned amount will undergo verification by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Opulencia, provisionally admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program, came forward to assist in the ongoing criminal investigation. Vida said a panel of prosecutors found his testimony material to strengthening the case and verified his disclosures.

“His cooperation is part of the continuing efforts to recover public funds and hold accountable those involved in illegal transactions,” Vida said.

The DOJ clarified that while Opulencia’s testimony covers transactions connected to flood control projects in Bulacan, the P40 million returned pertains to other related transactions. Opulencia is currently under a pending preliminary investigation before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Under the terms of his provisional admission, Opulencia is required to fully disclose all information related to the investigation. Vida noted that failure to declare relevant information or providing false statements could result in revocation of his witness protection status.

The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to verify financial records and assess additional witness declarations.