Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara has been dismissed from government service after being found guilty of grave administrative offenses linked to anomalous projects in Bulacan.

The decision, dated September 4, 2025, stemmed from a complaint filed by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan. The case was based on a special audit and internal investigation which revealed that some infrastructure projects were paid in full despite having no actual construction on site.

One project, the “Construction of Reinforced Concrete River Wall” in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, was supposedly completed as of June 30, 2025, but auditors found no structure at the location.

Another contract, for the construction of a flood control structure in Barangay Perez, Bulacan, was also paid in full but left unbuilt and lacking documentation.

The DPWH noted that Alcantara’s negligence led to “ghost projects” that damaged the agency’s credibility and subjected it to public ridicule. The ruling cited jurisprudence establishing that public officers may be held liable for acts that, while not directly tied to their functions, tarnish the integrity of their office.

Alcantara was found guilty of disloyalty to the Republic and the Filipino people, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. He was dismissed from service with the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The decision also stated that Alcantara may face separate civil or criminal charges, along with possible co-conspirators.