Ex-DPWH official returns P40M

FORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director for the National Capital Region Gerard P. Opulencia returned approximately P40 million to the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday.

According to Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida, this is only a portion of the total P150 million Mr. Opulencia committed to return.

“This is part of his bigger commitment to raise P150 million. He declared that he earned this from various projects that he didn’t get legally,” Mr. Vida told reporters during the turnover.

Mr. Vida said that while he did not testify in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, his cooperation has been crucial to strengthening the department’s ongoing cases of anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.

“We were able to verify his statements, and his knowledge will be material for us to pursue the cases that really need to be pursued,” he said.

The cash turnover was conducted with representatives from the Bureau of the Treasury and Independent Commission for Infrastructure present to ensure proper verification and handling of the restitution.

Meanwhile, the DoJ confirmed that other former DPWH officials — Engineer Henry C. Alcantara and Usec. Roberto R. Bernardo — along with Mr. Opulencia, are currently provisionally admitted to the Witness Protection Program.

“We are not privy to discussions regarding other individuals previously mentioned. As of today, the only three individuals under a memorandum of agreement are the ones mentioned,” Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez told reporters.

Also on Tuesday, the DoJ said government contractor Cezarah “Sarah” C. Discaya requested temporary release from the National Bureau of Investigation to attend a hearing at the Office of the City Prosecutor Malabon.

“She requested temporary release to attend the hearing and to secure all documents necessary,” Mr. Martinez said via Viber group chat adding that Ms. Discaya’s hearing is connected to a case filed by the City Government of Malabon for alleged violations of Republic Act 3019 and theft. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking