Manila: Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Capital Region official Gerard Opulencia has turned over PHP40 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the PHP150 million he committed to return to the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida showed reporters the PHP40 million surrendered by Opulencia as part of the conditions for his acceptance as a state witness in the anomalous flood control projects. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez, in a message to reporters, said Opulencia, along with Henry Alcantara and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo were 'provisionally admitted' into the Witness Protection Program as of Tuesday.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon stated that Opulencia is one of the respondents in the five cases that underwent preliminary investigation at the DOJ on anomalous projects contracted by Syms Construction in Bulacan.
The charges filed in the five cases include malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 171 Paragraph 4 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); perjury under Article 183 of the RPC; and Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
