A Catholic parish in Obando, Bulacan, is set to return a vehicle donated by a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official recently implicated in alleged corruption involving flood control projects.

The pastoral council of San Pascual Baylon Parish, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Salambao, announced that it will return a Nissan Navara pickup donated on June 1, 2024, by then–DPWH First District Engineer Henry Alcantara.

The parish said the vehicle had been accepted in good faith to assist in pilgrimages of the image of the Virgin of Salambao.

“[It] was given wholeheartedly and we accepted it without judgment on the intent of the donor,” the council explained.

Following reports linking Alcantara to anomalies, parish leaders decided to return the donation through proper legal processes, in coordination with the Diocese of Malolos and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

The parish also apologized to parishioners and the public for any concerns caused, stressing that the move reflects the Church’s commitment to integrity and justice.

Alcantara was dismissed from service earlier this month amid an investigation into questionable DPWH flood control projects.