A district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan admitted before the House Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure (Infra-Comm) on Tuesday that he issued project completion certificates without personally inspecting the works, mostly flood-control projects.
The committee hearing highlighted questionable agency insertions and flawed certification practices, which allegedly allowed millions in public funds to flow to contractors earlier flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Under DPWH Department Order No. 99, Series of 2015, district engineers must personally certify project completion before payments can be released.
During the hearing, Henry Alcantara, Bulacan district engineer, admitted issuing certificates without site inspections.
“Ni isa wala po kayong tiningnan (You did not inspect even one)?” asked Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and co-chair of the Infra-Comm.
“Meron naman (There were some), your honor,” Alcantara replied, adding that he relied on his team’s validations.
“So hindi po ninyo tinitingnan lahat (So, you did not inspect all)?” Chua pressed.
“Your honor, hindi po (No, your honor),” Alcantara admitted.
Alcantara said his certifications were based on the assumption that submitted documents were complete and accurate.
“There is a presumed regularity to the documents presented to me, your honor,” he said, defending himself by pointing to his subordinates.
“There was a certification signed by the project engineer, the implementing section chief,” he explained, adding that the workload made it impossible for him to inspect every project personally.
Chua stressed the seriousness of Alcantara’s admission, warning that a district engineer’s signature directly authorizes the release of funds.
“Hindi po ito maliit na bagay. Kasi once he certifies, magre-release na po ng pera. ‘Yung certificate po niya ang nagiging basis ng releasing ng pera (This is not a small thing. Because once he certifies, money will be released. His signature is the basis for the release of funds),” Chua said.
Chua also recalled President Marcos’ visit to Bulacan, where he inspected river wall and flood mitigation projects and described some as “ghost projects.”
One case involved the PHP55.7-million construction of a reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, awarded to SYMS Construction Trading. Documents showed Alcantara signed the contract, and receipts confirmed payments of PHP43.4 million and PHP5.9 million despite questions about the project’s existence.
Another controversial project was the PHP94.6-million river protection structure in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, implemented by St. Timothy Construction Company. President Marcos personally inspected it and noted insufficient cement usage. Alcantara also signed this contract.
The committee also presented a PHP74.6-million flood mitigation project in Calumpit with Wawao Builders as the contractor. Although records showed it was fully paid, questions remain over its quality and completion.
Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has suspended Alcantara pending investigation into his involvement in these questionable projects.