Batangas District Engineer Involved in Bribery Allegations
Batangas first district engineer Abelardo Calalo was arrested last week for allegedly acting as a middleman in a bribery scheme involving government contracts. Sources said Calalo approached Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, offering a cut from awarded projects through a so-called “standard operating procedure” within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Leviste revealed that Calalo privately met him last Friday and disclosed that several contractors wanted to meet with the congressman to discuss giving him a 10 to 15 percent share of their project funds. This revelation exposed a troubling system of kickbacks tied to DPWH contracts in Batangas.
Details of the Alleged Bribery Scheme
Community members reported that Calalo brought P3.1 million in cash from one contractor who secured three projects totaling P104 million. Another contractor reportedly expressed willingness to provide P15 million the following day. Leviste declined these offers, emphasizing that accepting such kickbacks would have involved millions from projects worth P3.6 billion.
These projects included not only flood control initiatives but also infrastructure such as roads, highlighting the extensive reach of the scheme. Officials noted that this system compromises the integrity of public works in the region.
Systemic Corruption in DPWH Contracts
Leviste further disclosed that Calalo revealed the DPWH Batangas district office was not conducting genuine procurement processes. Instead, contracts were allegedly awarded based on predetermined arrangements influenced by congressmen who select contractors that then impose the kickback SOP.
According to local leaders, this practice likely extends beyond Batangas, affecting other districts as well. Leviste estimated that in the past three years, kickbacks linked to Batangas first district contracts could have amounted to P1 billion.
Congressman Leviste’s Stand and Next Steps
Leviste, who won his seat in the May 2025 midterm elections, refused to name the contractors involved but indicated they monopolize the majority of projects in the district. He stressed that even if congressmen reject the kickbacks, the 10 to 15 percent is often built into the contract prices, ensuring someone benefits from the scheme.
Leaders reported that Calalo is now facing charges of direct bribery, corruption under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Meanwhile, Leviste is encouraging Calalo to become a state witness to help expose other contractors implicated in this corrupt system.
“Had I agreed with him, I would have met with the contractors, and they would have given me millions in DPWH kickbacks from the P3.6 billion projects that were awarded to them,” Leviste recalled. He remains firm in opposing this corrupt practice and aims to promote transparency in government contracts.
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