Manila: Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito on Monday criticized a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district official for negligence in approving dubious flood control projects and for frequenting casinos during his tenure in government service.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's motu proprio inquiry, former Bulacan First Engineering District Office engineer Henry Alcantara admitted to failing to exercise due diligence when signing off on documents related to alleged ghost projects. Alcantara acknowledged that some projects were paid without his knowledge, admitting to negligence on his part.

Ejercito raised concerns about the lifestyle of Alcantara and his successors, engineers Brice Hernandez and JP Mendoza, highlighting reports of luxury watches, expensive cars, irregular office hours, and regular visits to casinos. He questioned how a district engineer could afford such a lifestyle, noting sightings of luxury items like a Patek Philippe watch and a Ferrari.

Alcantara confessed to entering casinos two to three times a month, sometimes accompanied by Hernandez and Mendoza. Ejercito called for authorities to obtain closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to corroborate reports of large bets being placed and urged for the immediate arrest of Hernandez and Mendoza, who did not attend the hearing despite being subpoenaed.

The senator emphasized the need for accountability for the ghost flood control projects in Bulacan and Mindoro provinces, insisting that officials involved should face consequences. He also supported President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s proposal for lifestyle checks on DPWH officials, particularly those managing significant budgets.

Ejercito expressed his backing for newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, acknowledging the challenges ahead and offering support in his efforts to reform the department.