Batangas Rep Initiates Case Against DPWH Engineer
Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste is set to file a case involving alleged corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The lawmaker will formally submit charges against a DPWH district engineer accused of attempting to bribe him to drop a probe into irregularities affecting the province’s infrastructure projects.
Leviste expressed his firm stance against corruption in the DPWH, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “We should not tolerate any corruption in DPWH. We should demand projects of better quality and lower cost, and obligate contractors to correct any deficiencies immediately without additional cost to government,” he said.
Details on the Alleged Bribery Incident
According to local authorities, the DPWH district engineer allegedly offered Rep. Leviste a bribe amounting to P3.1 million to halt the ongoing investigation. The incident reportedly took place on August 22, leading to the engineer’s arrest by Taal police.
Although police initially disclosed the suspect’s name, they later withheld it citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, Leviste publicly identified the accused as Abelardo Calalo.
Legal Charges and Next Steps
The suspect now faces charges under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to the corruption of public officials, and Republic Act No. 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The complaint will be filed before the Office of the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor on August 26.
Beyond this specific case, Rep. Leviste vowed to push for wider reforms aimed at addressing systemic issues within the DPWH. “Beyond this case, we will push for broader reforms to address systemic problems of DPWH,” he stated.
Community and Government Response
Community members and officials alike have expressed support for the lawmaker’s efforts to combat corruption. Several local leaders noted that ensuring the integrity of infrastructure projects is crucial for public trust and effective governance.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in government agencies and underscores the importance of vigilance and reform to safeguard public resources.
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