Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, July 29, said it has recovered more than ₱841 million from flood control projects irregularities, with the funds already remitted to the National Treasury.
In a statement issued following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, the DOJ said ₱841,381,500 has so far been recovered from individuals involved and deposited through the Land Bank of the Philippines to the Bureau of the Treasury.
“The President’s message was plain: what is recovered belongs to the Filipino people, and those who betrayed the public trust must answer before the courts,” said the DOJ.
According to a document released by the agency, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo accounted for the largest restitution amount at ₱450 million.
He was followed by then DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engr. Henry Alcantara with ₱181 million.
Also in the list were Former DPWH NCR Director Gerard Opulencia with ₱140 million, and contractor Sally Santos with ₱20 million.
The report also reflects an additional ₱50 million deposited on April 29, 2026.
The deposits were made between Nov. 28, 2025, and April 29, 2026.
The department said it will continue working in close coordination with the Office of the Ombudsman in pursuing cases within its jurisdiction.
“Where the law places a case in our hands, we will build it to the standards that stand in court. That is what the rule of law requires, and what the Filipino people deserve,” the DOJ added.
