The Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering has ordered the revocation of the civil engineering license of former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Henry Alcantara due to his confessed involvement in non-existent flood control projects in Bulacan. Alcantara has turned over P181.37 million to the Department of Justice as part of repaying the P300 million he admitted pocketing through kickbacks. He remains entitled to legal remedies under due process.
On January 12, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced the revocation of Henry Alcantara's civil engineering license, who was formerly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer in Bulacan. He was found guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct due to his self-confessed involvement in non-existent and substandard flood control projects, which led to the disbursement of millions of pesos in public funds for infrastructure that was never built.
The PRC stated, “The Board established that Engineer Alcantara willfully approved payments for these ghost projects, an act that constitutes a severe breach of the Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers and a betrayal of public trust.” This decision was based on the DPWH's special audit report and findings of grave offenses against Alcantara during his roles as district engineer, officer-in-charge, and assistant regional director.
Alcantara is one of the DPWH engineers linked to 'ghost' flood control projects in Bulacan. Recently, he visited the Department of Justice for proceedings related to the witness protection program (WPP), according to DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez, who said, “He was here for a matter with the WPP. That’s all I can say given the confidentiality of the proceedings.” Alcantara refused to answer media questions about alleged recantation of his statements.
However, the DOJ has not received or reviewed any affidavit from Alcantara retracting his previous statements. His legal counsel, Emil Karlo Joven, denied claims of recantation, stating, “Recent claims circulating on various news outlets and from certain social media personalities… are categorically false and misleading.” Alcantara remains committed to cooperating with the DOJ, having entered a memorandum of agreement as a prerequisite for WPP admission.
Alcantara may still file a motion for reconsideration with the board within 15 days, and if denied, a notice of appeal with the commission within another 15 days.