Remulla takes embattled ex-DPWH exec for witness protection evaluation
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla brought former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara to the Department of Justice on Tuesday, September 23, following the latter's revelations at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing into the flood control mess.
Remulla and Alcantara arrived at the DOJ on Tuesday morning but did not speak to reporters.
This after Alcatara revealed at the Senate probe that Sens. Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol Party-list), accepted kickbacks from the national budget.
He also implicated former lawmakers Bong Revilla and Mitch Cajayon.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, in its decision dated September 4, found Alcantara “guilty of the administrative offenses of disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and to the Filipino people, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”
This is due to his alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects, after he was implicated by his subordinates, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.
Hernandez previously informed senators that the profits from each ghost project were divided, with Alcantara receiving 40%. Hernandez stated that he and two other engineers each took a 20% share of the remaining profit.
Who may be admitted to the witness protection program? Republic Act No. 6981, or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, governs the law on the requirements for someone to be eligible for witness protection.
According to the DOJ, the following can be admitted to the witness protection program:
- Any person who has knowledge of or information on the commission of a crime and has testified or is testifying or is willing to testify.
- A witness in a congressional investigation, upon the recommendation of the legislative committee where his testimony is needed and with the approval of the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be.
- A witness who participated in the commission of a crime and who desires to be a State witness.
- An accused who is discharged from an information or criminal complaint by the court in order that he may be a State witness.
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