Justice Questions Immunity of DPWH Officials in Flood Control Kickback Scheme
Flood control mess: Justice questions immunity of Bernardo, Alcantara
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In a Sandiganbayan hearing, Justice Ronald Moreno raised concerns about the immunity granted to former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and District Engineer Henry Alcantara, implicated in a kickback scheme involving flood control projects. Testimonies revealed that they devised a commitment scheme, with Bernardo accused of demanding 30% kickbacks from contractors.
- 01Justice Ronald Moreno questioned the rationale behind granting immunity to Roberto Bernardo and Henry Alcantara, who are accused of orchestrating a kickback scheme.
- 02DPWH engineer John Carlo Rivera testified that he delivered kickbacks to Alcantara, with amounts ranging from P2 million to P10 million per delivery.
- 03Bernardo and Alcantara have pledged to return P1 billion and P300 million, respectively, to qualify for the government witness protection program.
- 04Moreno highlighted that Rivera, who has direct involvement in the scheme, was not granted immunity despite having significant testimonies.
- 05Rivera expressed intentions to resign from the DPWH, indicating a desire to dissociate from the corrupt practices.
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During a recent Sandiganbayan trial, Justice Ronald Moreno expressed skepticism regarding the immunity of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and District Engineer Henry Alcantara, both implicated in a kickback scheme related to flood control projects. Testimony from DPWH engineer John Carlo Rivera revealed that he was involved in delivering kickbacks to Alcantara, with transactions ranging from P2 million to P10 million on approximately 50 occasions. Rivera stated that he received a monthly payment of P10,000 for his role in the scheme. Both Bernardo and Alcantara have committed to returning substantial amounts—P1 billion and P300 million, respectively—to qualify for the government witness protection program. Justice Moreno questioned why Rivera, who had more direct involvement, was not granted immunity, emphasizing the need for accountability among government officials involved in corruption. Rivera indicated he is considering resigning from his position, reflecting a growing discontent with the corrupt environment within the DPWH.
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The case highlights systemic corruption within the DPWH, potentially affecting public trust in government infrastructure projects.
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