Batangas Governor Denounces Bribe Attempt on Leviste
LUCENA CITY — Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto has firmly denounced the alleged bribe attempt targeting Rep. Leandro Leviste. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer reportedly tried to offer a bribe to halt Leviste’s investigation into questionable flood-control projects. This brazen act, officials reported, exposes a disturbing culture of impunity that may have persisted in past administrations.
Governor Santos-Recto made her stance clear in a statement published on the provincial Public Information Office Facebook page. She said, “This brazen act reflects a seeming culture of impunity that may have been tolerated in the past. If this has been the practice in previous administrations, let it be known that under my leadership, such a system will find no refuge here in Batangas.”
Strong Stance Against Corruption in Batangas
The governor emphasized that “corruption has no place in Batangas” and stressed the importance of safeguarding public funds. “Every peso of public funds must go to projects that serve our people, not into the pockets of the corrupt,” she stated. Community members noted her commendation of Rep. Leviste for standing firm and choosing integrity amid pressure.
Rep. Leviste Files Complaint Against DPWH Engineer
Earlier the same day, Rep. Leviste filed a formal complaint with the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Abelardo Calalo, the DPWH district engineer for Batangas’ first district. The complaint accused Calalo of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, sources said.
Leviste reported that on August 22, Calalo attempted to bribe him to cease his investigation into alleged irregularities involving DPWH projects in the district. Following the report, police operatives conducted an entrapment operation at Leviste’s office in Taal town, which led to Calalo’s arrest. Authorities recovered a light green bag containing P3,126,900.
Details on the Bribe and Alleged Kickbacks
According to the lawmaker, the money originated from a contractor who had secured three projects totaling P104 million. The seized cash represented approximately 3 percent of the total contract value. However, Leviste highlighted that the issue is more extensive than the immediate P3.1-million payoff.
He revealed that contractors in the district allegedly set aside over P300 million annually as “SOP,” a code for kickbacks, intended for whoever holds the congressional seat. Officials noted that the criminal complaint filed against Calalo will also include contractors and other individuals as respondents.
Batangas Leadership Vows to End Corruption
Local leaders praised the swift action taken against the alleged bribery, underscoring a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability under Governor Santos-Recto’s leadership. They echoed her message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in Batangas, and that public officials must be held responsible for their actions.
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