P841-M recovered from ghost flood projects

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last week that the government has recovered more than ₱841 million in cash linked to anomalous flood control projects, with the funds already remitted to the National Treasury.

In a statement, the DOJ said the recovered amount was deposited through the Land Bank of the Philippines and reaffirmed its commitment to pursue those responsible for the alleged anomalies.

“The work continues. We will recover the people’s money,” the department said.

The DOJ also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for expressing confidence in the National Prosecution Service during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he stressed that recovered public funds should be returned to the Filipino people and that those who violated public trust must be held accountable.

The department said it will continue to coordinate closely with the Office of the Ombudsman in building cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny, in accordance with the rule of law.

According to the DOJ, the recovered funds came from four individuals admitted into the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo accounted for the largest amount, returning ₱500 million in installments from Jan. 13 to May 29.

Former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara returned ₱181.4 million, while suspended National Capital Region District Engineer Gerard Opulencia surrendered ₱140 million. SYMS Construction Trading owner Sally Santos also turned over ₱20 million.

The DOJ said efforts to recover additional public funds and prosecute those involved in the ghost flood control projects remain ongoing.