THE Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that ₱866.38 million in misappropriated flood control funds has been returned to the national treasury as of October 2026, following the agency’s investigation into the multi‑billion‑peso flood control scam.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez revealed the figure during a briefing on the agency’s 2026 accomplishments, noting that the entire amount came from those involved in the Bulacan case — the first uncovered instance of the scheme. The scam was exposed in the Bulacan First District Engineering Office, where several former employees admitted to diverting funds meant for flood control projects into bogus or non‑existent works.
Vasquez explained that the DOJ is encouraging others involved in similar irregularities to return stolen funds in exchange for consideration under the government’s Witness Protection Program, emphasizing that there is no fixed target amount or deadline for the initiative.
“The goal is not just ₱1 billion,” he stated. “It is an open‑ended measure — anyone charged can restore what they unlawfully took and be admitted into the program, with benefits for them and their families.” Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara was the most recent individual to return funds, while restitution is still ongoing for former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, whose repayment includes real estate assets.
Aside from recovering funds, the DOJ has also pursued multiple legal avenues against those implicated. Three cases involving malversation and graft have been filed before Regional Trial Courts, five tax cases have been brought before the Court of Tax Appeals, and two more have been endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman. Eight additional tax‑related cases have been dismissed.
The agency stressed that the investigation remains active and that the government will continue to pursue the full recovery of all public funds lost to the scam.
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