The former district engineer linked to the controversial “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan has admitted his accountability before a congressional inquiry, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Henry Alcantara, who served as Bulacan’s district engineer from 2019 to mid-2025, faced tough questions during a House Committee on Infrastructure hearing on September 2. Lawmakers sought clarity on how billions were poured into questionable projects under his watch—some of which were publicly flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as non-existent or incomplete.
Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V emphasized the need to understand Alcantara’s background, describing it as his “origin story” within the DPWH. Alcantara confirmed he started as a job order employee in 1994, gradually rising through the ranks until his promotion during the Duterte administration under then-Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
When asked by Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. about his connection to the infrastructure irregularities, Alcantara did not deny the charges. Specifically referring to flood control projects marked “completed” despite being unfinished, Abante pressed:
“Kasalanan yan ng district engineer. Tama ba ko o mali?”
Alcantara responded:
“Yes, your honor.”
Abante followed up with a blunt declaration:
“Dapat talaga kasuhan ka. Tama? Tama ba ko o mali?”
To which Alcantara again replied, “Yes, your honor.”
