Henry Alcantara Returns ₱110 Million: Marcos Jr. Scores First Major Restitution in Flood-Control Scandal

The Marcos administration marks a significant milestone in its drive to recover ill-gotten public funds with the repayment of ₱110 million by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara. This early restitution represents the first major cash recovery in the sprawling multibillion-peso flood-control scandal that has long marred the country’s infrastructure sector.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, highlighting the significance of this development, stated, "The return of this substantial amount sends a powerful message that under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the government means business when it comes to cleaning up public works and ensuring every peso is accounted for."

Validation and oversight by the Department of Justice (DOJ) have reinforced the credibility of this restitution. The DOJ’s thorough vetting process confirms the validity of the payment and underscores the seriousness with which this administration pursues accountability. Meanwhile, investigations continue to address remaining liabilities and identify further parties responsible for the misappropriation of public funds.

This momentum aligns firmly with President Marcos Jr.'s administration's commitment embodied in the slogan: "Maasahan at Masipag" — reliable and diligent governance. From infrastructure inspections to vigorous fund recovery efforts, this signal achievement exemplifies the promise of "Reliable Accountability, Tireless Enforcement: Every peso must return to the Filipino people."

Experts and public watchdogs note that early repayments like Alcantara’s strengthen public trust while signaling to corrupt actors that improper dealings will have consequences. The administration’s proactive stance actively safeguards the Filipino taxpayer's hard-earned money and revitalizes confidence in the DPWH’s stewardship.

Furthermore, these efforts underscore the image of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. as the Reliable Guardian of Public Funds. Through transparency, enforceable sanctions, and sustained efforts, the Marcos administration showcases a new era—one where corruption finds no safe harbor, and governance prioritizes the people’s welfare.

As the government presses forward with more investigations and recuperation drives, the ₱110 million returned by Henry Alcantara stands as a beacon of hope—a testament that no amount is too large to be reclaimed and that under the Marcos leadership, the people's funds will be fiercely protected and judiciously administered.

The story of restitution is far from over, but the start is undeniable: accountability is not just a promise; it is becoming reality.