A storm of justice is brewing in Bulacan.
Former DPWH 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, and private contractor Sarah Discaya could be behind bars before the Christmas bells ring.
That was the bold statement from Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who confirmed on Thursday that the three are among the first to face charges in a massive corruption case involving anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Dizon said the case—filed at the Office of the Ombudsman last September 11—is the first ever complaint lodged by his department.
“These people are part of the first batch. It’s first in, first out at the Ombudsman. We’re confident they’ll be spending Christmas in jail,” Dizon said firmly.
He added that the case is non-bailable, leaving no room for escape.
The charges don’t end there.
Also included in the complaint are DPWH Construction Section chief John Michael Ramos, Planning and Design Section chief Ernesto Galang, and 15 other employees from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
Several contractors were also named — Ma. Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corp., Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading, Mark Allan Arevalo of Wawao Builders, and Robert Imperio of IM Construction.
The group was allegedly behind nine questionable flood control projects worth a staggering ₱249 million in Malolos, Hagonoy, Baliwag, Bulakan, and Calumpit.
As of this writing, GMA News Online has reached out to Sarah Discaya’s camp but has yet to receive a response. Hernandez’s side, meanwhile, declined to comment.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier announced that they aim to file the case in court by November 25 — a move that could seal the fate of those involved before the year ends.
If Dizon’s words hold true, this Christmas will not be merry for some — but it might finally bring justice to many.
