By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday filed cases of “use of falsified documents” against two former engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the use of fake driver’s licenses to enter a casino.
The action is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure accountability for people using fake licenses.
DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez filed the cases at the Parañaque Prosecutor’s Office against former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and former assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez —both members of the group dubbed “Bulacan Group of Contractors (BGC) Boys.”
He was accompanied by Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II.
“Hindi natin hahayaan na lapastanganin ng ninuman mapa-opisyal o pribadong indibidwal ang lisensya ng DOTr at LTO. Mananagot po sila sa batas (We will not allow any official or private individual to violate the licenses of the DOTr and LTO. They will be held accountable under the law),” Lopez said.
If found guilty, the two former DPWH officials face imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of PHP1 million.
In addition, the LTO has perpetually cancelled the driver’s licenses of both Alcantara and Hernandez for using fake licenses.
Similar cases are being prepared against other members of the BGC Boys, such as Arjay Domasig and Jaypee Mendoza.
He warned other individuals against using fake licenses or face similar action from the government.
“Ito po ay pagpapa-alala sa taumbayan na hindi ka talaga pwedeng gumamit ng pekeng lisensya, ‘yan po ay isang krimen. Sana wag nilang gawin ‘yan dahil hahabulin namin sila (This is a reminder to the public that you are not allowed to use a fake license, that is a crime. We wish they won’t do that because we will catch them),” he said. (PNA)
