MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the government has recovered more than ₱841 million in cash linked to alleged ghost flood control projects, with the funds already remitted to the National Treasury.

In a statement, the DOJ said a total of ₱841 million recovered from individuals implicated in the alleged anomalies has been turned over to the National Treasury through the Land Bank of the Philippines.

“To date, PHP841 million in cash has been recovered from those involved and remitted to the National Treasury through the Land Bank of the Philippines,” the DOJ said.

The department vowed to continue pursuing those allegedly involved in the anomalous projects and recover additional public funds.

“The work continues. We will recover the people’s money,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for expressing confidence in the National Prosecution Service during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“The President’s message was plain: what is recovered belongs to the Filipino people, and those who betrayed the public trust must answer before the courts,” the department said.

It added that it would continue working closely with the Office of the Ombudsman in pursuing cases arising from the investigation.

“The Department of Justice will do its part in close coordination with the Office of the Ombudsman, whose constitutional mandate we respect absolutely. Where the law places a case in our hands, we will build it to the standards that stand in court. That is what the rule of law requires, and what the Filipino people deserve,” the DOJ said.

According to the department, the recovered funds came from four individuals admitted into the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo returned ₱500 million in several tranches between Jan. 13 and May 29.

Former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara returned ₱181.4 million, while suspended National Capital Region District Engineer Gerard Opulencia surrendered ₱140 million.

Meanwhile, SYMS Construction Trading owner Sally Santos returned ₱20 million, bringing the total recovered amount to more than ₱841 million.