Photo courtesy of Senator Ping Lacson/Facebook.
Criminal complaints linked to the multi-billion peso flood control corruption scandal in Bulacan are expected to proceed even if former engineering chief Henry Alcantara withdraws his earlier statements on kickbacks, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its inquiry into the scandal on January 19, with authorities maintaining that the cases are backed by multiple forms of evidence.
Reports emerged that Alcantara might retract claims implicating lawmakers, including Senator Joel Villanueva, but the Department of Justice has not received any official affidavit from him.
Alcantara’s testimony, along with statements from other former DPWH-Bulacan engineers, is supported by documents, budget records, and financial traces, indicating that the allegations are corroborated and not isolated claims.
The former official has already returned over P180 million in restitution to the government, part of the P300 million he reportedly amassed from illegal kickbacks, reinforcing evidence of wrongdoing.
Authorities also noted that if Alcantara or other witnesses attempt to recant their testimonies, they could face perjury charges, which carry heavy penalties including imprisonment, fines, and permanent disqualification from holding public office.
Lacson emphasized that the ongoing investigations involve multiple layers of proof, including financial records and prior findings by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, ensuring that the cases will continue regardless of any potential recantation.
