MANILA, Philippines — A former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer (DE) in Bulacan admitted that he and another colleague went to casinos from time to time.

Henry Alcantara, former DE at the Bulacan District Engineering Office, was among those who attended the Senate hearing on questionable flood control projects on Sept. 1.

Alcantara was relieved from his post and was succeeded by Brice Hernandez.

Sen. JV Ejercito said that he received information that Alcantara went to work at 10 a.m. but left the office at 2 p.m. to go to the casino.

"It must be verified considering that you are government officials. How were you able to enter the casino?" Ejercito asked Alcantara.

Alcantara conceded that he failed to exercise due diligence in signing documents related to ghost projects.

“There were projects that were paid without my knowledge… I admit there was negligence on my part,” he said.

Ejercito questioned Alcantara’s lifestyle and that of his successors, Hernandez and JP Mendoza, citing reports of luxury watches, expensive cars, irregular office hours, and regular casino visits.

“How can a district engineer afford that kind of lifestyle? We saw a luxury watch, a Patek Philippe. We have information that he drives a Ferrari,” he said.

The senator also said that he received information that "with no fear" Hernandez could place a bet as much as P5 million.

Alcantara denied knowledge about Hernandez's betting habits. "I don't know how much he bets because we were not seated on the same [casino] table," he said.

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