Manila, Dec. 16 -- Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Capital Region official Gerard Opulencia has turned over PHP40 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the PHP150 million he committed to return to the government.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Tuesday showed reporters the PHP40 million surrendered by Opulencia as part of the conditions for his acceptance as a state witness in the anomalous flood control projects.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez, in a message to reporters, said Opulencia, along with Henry Alcantara and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo were "provisionally admitted" into the Witness Protection Program as of Tuesday.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon ...