Former DPWH Engineer Admits to Gambling Instead of Inspecting Projects
HENRY ALCANTARA – The former Bulacan District Engineer is facing heavy criticism after admitting that he frequently went to casinos several times a month instead of inspecting flood control projects. Despite failing to personally inspect the projects, Alcantara still signed documents certifying their completion.
During a House Committee on Infrastructure hearing, Las Piñas Representative Mark Anthony Santos confronted Alcantara about his earlier statement to the Senate, where he admitted visiting casinos two to three times per month. Alcantara confirmed this and even revealed that some of his colleagues from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Office occasionally accompanied him.
Rep. Santos expressed frustration, pointing out that government funds were released for projects that were never properly inspected. He emphasized that Alcantara seemed to prioritize gambling over fulfilling his duty to ensure the quality and completion of government projects.
“Mr. Chair, I just like to make a point regarding the negligence on the part of Engineer Alcantara. Nabayaran po natin without inspecting all those projects po. Parang lumalabas po mas prinayoritize pa yung pagpunta nila sa casino, which is alam po nating bawal,” Santos said.
He also warned that this issue might reflect a bigger problem within the government bureaucracy, stressing that all government employees are strictly banned from gambling in casinos.
To ensure accountability, Santos urged the committee to invite the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service, as well as the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the next hearing. He stressed that there is clear evidence of negligence and misconduct that should lead to formal charges.
“I would like to manifest, kitang-kita naman po yung culpability and negligence ni Engineer Alcantara,” Santos stated. “Because under oath po itong lahat ng testimonies nila. The DOJ, the Ombudsman, the NBI para makasuhan na po natin itong mga taong talagang may pananagutan sa malaking problema na nangyari sa ating bansa.”
Alcantara admitted under oath that he signed documents declaring the flood control projects completed, even though he never inspected them himself—a revelation that has fueled public outrage and raised serious concerns about corruption and negligence within the DPWH.
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