ALCANTARA TURNS OVER P71 MILLION AS RESTITUTION IN FLOOD CONTROL SCAM
Alcantara has turned over 71 million pesos to the Philippine government as restitution in connection with an alleged flood control scam, based on preliminary reports. The amount was reportedly remitted to the Office of the Ombudsman as part of ongoing efforts to recover public funds linked to questionable infrastructure projects. According to initial data, the case involves contracts for flood control works that investigators say were either overpriced, improperly awarded, or not fully implemented. Authorities have emphasized that the restitution does not, by itself, resolve all legal questions surrounding the projects.
The controversy centers on flood control projects that were intended to reduce the impact of heavy rains and river overflows in certain localities, according to official statements. These public works are typically funded through national and local budgets and are meant to protect communities from damage to homes, farms, and roads. Investigators are looking into whether public money was diverted or misused during the procurement and implementation stages. Based on early findings, the case has been cited by oversight bodies as an example of how infrastructure spending can be vulnerable to irregularities if controls are weak.
What is currently known is that the 71 million peso restitution has been formally acknowledged by the relevant government offices, though the full accounting of all funds involved is still being reviewed. Officials have indicated that this payment will be treated as part of the recovery of alleged ill-gotten gains, subject to final legal determinations. Court proceedings and administrative investigations are continuing, and more individuals or entities could be implicated as records are examined. According to initial case summaries, documents such as contracts, disbursement vouchers, and project completion reports are central to the inquiry.
Authorities are now verifying whether the restitution amount corresponds to the total estimated losses from the questioned flood control projects or only a portion of them. Auditors and investigators are cross-checking financial records, project site inspections, and previous audit observations to confirm the scale of any overpricing or non-delivery. Based on statements from oversight agencies, the goal is to establish a clear money trail and determine responsibility at each stage of the project cycle. Further updates are expected once the Ombudsman and other concerned offices complete their evaluations and issue formal resolutions or decisions.
