Ex-DPWH exec Alcantara’s license revoked

MANILA, Philippines — The license of former public works Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who is allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects, has been revoked by the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering (PRB-CE).

After finding him guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct, the PRB-CE ordered the revocation of Alcantara’s license, according to the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) found engineer Alcantara, in his former capacity as district engineer, officer-in-charge and assistant regional director, administratively liable for grave offenses concerning the disbursement of public funds for non-existent or ‘ghost’ infrastructure projects,” the PRC said in a statement.

In its review, the PRC’s PRB-CE gave primary weight to the DPWH’s special audit report and decision.

“The board established that 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,” the PRC noted.

Alcantara can still file a motion for reconsideration with the board within 15 days.

“Should the (motion) be denied, he has the right to file a notice of appeal with the Commission proper within 15 days from receipt of the resolution,” the PRC said.

Alcantara is one of the DPWH engineers linked to “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan.

Witness protection

Meanwhile, Alcantara went to the Department of Justice for proceedings concerning the witness protection program, according to DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez.

“He was here for a matter with the WPP. That’s all I can say given the confidentiality of the proceedings,” Martinez said.

Alcantara refused to answer questions from the media, particularly on his supposed recantation of statements regarding the flood control controversy.

Not recanting

The DOJ earlier said it has not received or reviewed any affidavit from Alcantara retracting his previous statements.

In a separate statement, Alcantara’s legal counsel Emil Karlo Joven denied claims that Alcantara had recanted his testimonies before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

“Recent claims circulating on various news outlets and from certain social media personalities… are categorically false and misleading,” Joven said.

Alcantara remains committed to cooperating with the DOJ, Joven said, noting that the latter entered into a memorandum of agreement, which is a prerequisite for his admission to the WPP. — Daphne Galvez