MANILA, Philippines —  Former Department of Public Works and Highways–National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) regional director, Engineer Gerard Opulencia, has returned P40 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ), partially fulfilling his commitment to return P150 million linked to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects, DOJ Officer-in-Charge Fredderick Vida said Tuesday. Vida confirmed that the turnover of the money was witnessed by representatives from the Bureau of the Treasury and other government officials and that the amount would still undergo verification by the Land Bank of the Philippines. Opulencia, who has been provisionally admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program, came forward to assist in the ongoing criminal investigation. Vida said a panel of prosecutors found his testimony material to strengthening the government’s case and verified his disclosures. “His cooperation is part of the continuing efforts to recover public funds and hold accountable those involved in illegal transactions,” Vida said. The DOJ clarified that while Opulencia’s testimony covered transactions connected to flood control projects in Bulacan, the P40 million returned pertains to other related transactions. He is currently under a pending preliminary investigation before the Office of the Ombudsman. Under the terms of his provisional admission, Opulencia is required to fully disclose all information related to the investigation. Vida emphasized that failure to declare relevant information or providing false statements could result in revocation of his witness protection status. The DOJ said the investigation remained ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to verify financial records and assess additional witness declarations.