DOJ: P866 million recovered from flood control scam so far

MANILA — The Department of Justice reported that as of October 2026, a total of P866.381 million has been returned to the government by those involved in the flood control projects scam and who eventually turned state witnesses.

The amount was turned over by the DOJ to the Bureau of Treasury.  

According to DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, the amount is expected to increase as the investigation into the scam continues. 

“It’s going to be a continuing effort of collecting more amounts and we cannot discount the possibility of cases that are pending preliminary investigation here and before the Ombudsman but also those cases that are already pending in court,” Vasquez said.

The return of government funds is part of the arrangement between the DOJ and those who were declared as state witnesses.  

Last year, Sen. Panfilo Lacson estimated that more than P180 billion were lost to ghost flood control projects since 2016. 

“Perhaps the ideal is that the estimate given by Senator Lacson could be reached because it is always the best solution that there will be a mutual resolution or settlement of cases,” Vasquez said.

DOJ Undersecretary Deo Marco said the latest to return funds was former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara. 

Marco also noted that former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is returning real estate properties to the government. 

“As the investigations continue, may mga nadi-discover pang (we have discovered more) properties,” Marco said.

The DOJ reported that of 29 flood control scam cases it is handling, three are already before the Regional Trial Courts, five before the Court of Tax Appeals.

Two cases have also been endorsed to the Ombudsman and filed before the Sandiganbayan.