A tax evasion case was filed against several former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District in Bulacan, or the so-called “BGC Boys” or “Bulacan Group of Contractors.”
An investigation examined the lifestyle of the former DPWH engineers based on their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) obtained through research.
Research found that former Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara did not declare any real property, even his own home and land, since 2019.
Former assistant engineer Brice Hernandez also did not declare his luxury cars in his SALN.
The largest amount that he declared for his cars was ₱15.8 million, which is far from the value of his surrendered Lamborghini Urus, worth ₱30 million. This is apart from the GMC Yukon Denali he surrendered, priced at ₱12 million.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said that the lifestyle of the so-called BGC Boys does not match their income.
This is why the BIR filed tax evasion charges against Alcantara, Hernandez, and former Assistant District Engineer Jaypee Mendoza this month, following a lifestyle check on them.
“We will compare the declared assets against the declared tax or income. And we will check whether the tax they paid or the income they declared matches their capacity to acquire those assets,” said the BIR Commissioner.
In Alcantara’s SALN, his net worth of over ₱6.4 million in 2019 climbed to ₱17.7 million in 2024. This is almost a 176% growth in wealth.
Meanwhile, Hernandez experienced a significant financial increase, with his declared net worth soaring by over 250% from 2019 to reach ₱28.7 million in 2023. However, his net worth decreased substantially to approximately ₱8.7 million in 2024, a decline attributed to a ₱20 million bank loan he had incurred.
Mendoza’s net worth, on the other hand, increased by more than 226% from an initial value of over ₱10 million. He subsequently declared a net worth exceeding ₱33.6 million.
The “BGC Boys” have reportedly admitted that they received kickbacks from flood control projects in Bulacan. They claim these funds came from budget insertions made by certain lawmakers, and that the total amount of money involved in this sharing scheme is estimated to be in the billions of pesos.
An expert said that among the things that should be monitored in the SALN is the increase in the wealth of a government employee and whether it matches their income.
“The SALN they declared, even if it increased significantly from ₱8 million to ₱28 million, or ₱8 million to ₱18 million, the increase doesn’t seem that high. But compared to their lifestyle, and the number of luxury vehicles they have, the increase in their SALN does not seem equivalent to their spending,” said a former dean of public administration.
“They have many luxury vehicles, are all of them registered under their name? So, not all of them will be registered under their name.”
The expert added that it’s not sufficient that one only files his SALN; it must be verified if everything declared on it is true.
“The SALN should not just be the sole instrument against corruption. It must be accompanied by a lifestyle check,” she said.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the Philippines’ primary government agency responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of national infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and flood control systems. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era, but it was formally established in its current form in 1956. The DPWH plays a critical role in the country’s economic development by ensuring the connectivity and safety of the national road network.
Bulacan First Engineering District
The Bulacan First Engineering District is a government infrastructure agency responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining national roads and bridges within its designated area in Bulacan, Philippines. Historically, such engineering districts were established across the country to decentralize public works and facilitate more efficient local infrastructure development. Its ongoing work is crucial for the transportation network and economic growth of the region.
Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN)
A Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) is not a physical place or cultural site, but a legal and financial document. Its history is rooted in good governance and anti-corruption efforts, as it is a mandatory declaration filed by public officials and employees to promote transparency and accountability. The document provides a snapshot of an individual’s financial standing at a given time.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is the primary government agency in the Philippines responsible for assessing and collecting all national internal revenue taxes. It was officially formed in 1904 during the American colonial period through the “Internal Revenue Law of 1904.” Its mission is to fund the government and its development projects by ensuring a sustainable and efficient tax collection system.
Lamborghini Urus
The Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance luxury SUV introduced in 2018, marking the brand’s return to the SUV market after the iconic LM002 from the 1980s. Named after a large, wild ancestor of modern domestic cattle, the Urus combines Lamborghini’s supercar heritage with practical versatility, establishing a new segment of the “Super SUV.”
GMC Yukon Denali
The GMC Yukon Denali is a full-size luxury SUV introduced in 1999 as the premium trim of the Yukon model line. It was created by General Motors to compete with other high-end SUVs by offering more powerful engines, a distinctive chrome grille, and upscale interior features. The Denali sub-brand has since become synonymous with GMC’s top-tier vehicles, emphasizing comfort and advanced technology.
BGC Boys
I am unable to provide a summary for “BGC Boys” as it does not appear to be a recognized place, cultural site, or historical landmark. The term may refer to a local group, organization, or a colloquial name that is not widely documented. For an accurate summary, please verify the correct name or provide more context about the subject.
Bulacan Group of Contractors
The Bulacan Group of Contractors is not a specific historical or cultural site, but rather a professional association for construction industry professionals in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. Its history is tied to the region’s economic development, as it was formed to organize and represent local contractors involved in the province’s infrastructure and building projects. The group plays a key role in upholding industry standards and fostering growth within Bulacan’s construction sector.
