MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has turned over a former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) after turning state witness in the ongoing investigation into the multibillion peso flood control mess.
At around 12:51 p.m. on Tuesday, DOJ personnel arrived to pick up Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who had been detained at the Senate detention facility after being cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during a hearing in 2024. Wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, Alcantara was escorted out of the Senate complex under heavy security and immediately loaded into a DOJ vehicle, which promptly left the premises.
Senate officials declined to disclose Alcantara’s destination, citing security considerations. The DOJ confirmed that Alcantara has been admitted into the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP), indicating his cooperation in ongoing investigations involving alleged irregularities in public works projects.
Prior to his transfer, Alcantara underwent medical examination, in accordance with standard procedures for detainees being moved to another agency’s custody.
The transfer followed a letter sent earlier on Wednesday by Justice Secretary Frederick Vida to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, requesting the “immediate transfer of the custody of Engr. Alcantara to the Department of Justice.” Vida said Alcantara’s inclusion in the witness protection program necessitated that the DOJ assumed responsibility for his safety.
In his letter, Vida assured the Senate that Alcantara “will fully cooperate with the Senate should his presence be required by the Blue Ribbon Committee,” despite his transfer to the DOJ.
Alcantara has been under Senate scrutiny as part of legislative investigations into alleged corruption and anomalies involving DPWH projects. While details of his potential testimony remained confidential, officials noted that his acceptance into the witness protection program underscored the significance of the information he may provide to authorities.
Both the Senate and the DOJ refrained from giving further details on the case, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations and ensure the security of the state witness
