Alcantara, Hernandez insist kickbacks for flood control projects at 25%

Former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara and assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez on Thursday maintained that they provided 25% in kickbacks off flood control projects, as opposed to the testimony of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo that the commissions for some proponents were only at 15%. 

During the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, Bernardo claimed that Alcantara collected 15% commissions in flood control projects, which was turned over to former senator Nancy Binay and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.

Bernardo also named in his affidavit Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, whom he said received 20-25% in kickbacks. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo then asked Alcantara if he corroborated Bernardo’s statement. 

“Doon po sa mga personalidad na binanggit niya, wala po akong personal knowledge. Doon naman po sa sinasabi niya na 15% po, ginagalang ko po 'yung opinion niya. Pero ako po talaga ay 25% po at kung ano po 'yung nasa affidavit ko, ‘yun po ang pinadadala ko po sa mga driver,” the dismissed Bulacan first district engineer said. 

(I have no personal knowledge regarding the personalities he mentioned. As for the 15% he said, I respect his opinion. But what I really provided was 25% and that’s what's in my affidavit and what I sent to the drivers.) 

Tulfo then raised concerns about the missing 10% from the supposed commissions. 

“Hindi ko na po alam. As far as ang knowledge ko po at ang dinadala po namin ay 25%. ‘Yun po ay hinahanda po kasama po ang mga tao ko na naghahanda po noon at nagbibilang, Your Honor,” Alcantara answered.

(I don't know about that. As far as I know, what we brought was 25%. That was prepared by my staff, Your Honor.) 

To recall, Alcantara on Tuesday admitted that he worked with Bernardo in giving commissions off flood control projects to the the camps of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, as well as Bong Revilla, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan representative Mitch Cajayon.

The personalities have denied the allegations. 

Tulfo also asked Hernandez if he agreed with the revelations of Bernardo, but the engineer said he believes that the former DPWH official was downplaying his statement. 

“Your Honor, parang kulang po ‘yung commitment na binanggit po ni Usec. Robert. Kasi as per instruction po sa amin ni Boss Henry, nasa 25% po ang pinapa-prepare na obligasyon,” Hernandez said. 

(Your Honor, it seems that the commitment mentioned by Usec. Robert was lacking. Because as per the instruction of Boss Henry, the prepared obligation was at 25%.) 

Hernandez said that the minimum “senatorial funds” was at 25%, and it may reach as high as 30%. 

Asked by Tulfo where he thinks the missing 10% went, Hernandez said, “It's either po kay Boss Henry o kay Boss Robert. Hindi po sa akin.) 

(It’s either to Boss Henry or Boss Robert. It does not go to me.) 

Alcantara said he has no idea where the 10% went. 

Former Bulacan 1st district engineering office construction division chief Jaypee Mendoza, likewise, backed what Hernandez said. 

“Agree po na 25% po to up to 30% po ‘yung pinagagayak po,” Mendoza said.

(I agree that it’s at 25% up to 30%.) 

Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza, are all now protected witnesses under the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program (WPP), along with contractors Curlee and Sarah Disacaya, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.—AOL, GMA Integrated News