Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara refused to sign a waiver lifting his bank secrecy during a House inquiry.
At a hearing of the House Infrastructure Committee, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno asked Alcantara if he was willing to authorize the waiver. Alcantara declined, saying it was within his right not to do so.
The former engineer, however, maintained his innocence, asserting that he never engaged in corrupt practices while in office. He added that he was prepared to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) covering the years he served as district engineer.
In contrast, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez said he was willing to set aside bank secrecy protections and also agreed to submit his SALN. Hernandez added that he was prepared to turn over his cellphone to allow investigators access to his telecommunications records.
The differing positions of the two former DPWH officials highlighted the tension during the committee hearing, which was part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects.
