DPWH Engineer Denies Bribery Allegations Early
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo has firmly denied allegations of bribery involving Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste. Calalo clarified that the P3.1 million in question was a donation from a contractor, handed over at the instruction of Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative Jojo Ang for district projects.
According to sources close to the case, Calalo explained that the so-called donations were collected from contractors with ongoing DPWH projects within Batangas’ 1st District as a gesture of support for Leviste’s programs. This, he insists, is far from any corrupt act.
Leviste Files Charges Over Flood Control Project Probe
Leviste recently filed complaints accusing Calalo of Corruption of Public Officials and violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The charges stem from an alleged attempt by Calalo to bribe Leviste to halt an investigation into flood control projects in the area.
In his counter-affidavit submitted last Friday, Calalo stressed he had no intention to deliver the donations to Leviste. “I only brought the donations of the contractor solely upon the instructions of Cong. Jojo Ang,” Calalo stated in his defense, as officials reported.
Calalo Claims Investigation Was Politically Motivated
Calalo further maintained that the corruption accusations against him were “either contrived or founded on a twisting of the truth, and clearly part of a political agenda.” Community members said he described the allegations as a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation.
He recounted that on August 14, Leviste visited his office requesting information about contractors awarded projects by former Representative Eric Buhain, particularly those suspected of substandard construction. Calalo said he was unable to provide detailed information due to lack of personal knowledge, which reportedly displeased Leviste.
“I suspected that he intended for me to be removed from my position and be replaced by a District Engineer of his choice, which was true,” Calalo narrated to local leaders.
Denied Corruption and Bribery Involvement
Calalo also denied any corrupt dealings involving contractors and former Rep. Buhain. He insisted that Leviste was fully aware there was no truth to the accusations, including claims that Calalo exposed corrupt practices in the district.
Following his arrest related to the alleged bribery, Calalo was released after posting bail amounting to P150,000, officials confirmed.
Suspension Ordered Amid Ongoing Investigation
In response to the controversy, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan ordered Calalo’s suspension from his duties at the DPWH. This move aims to ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations, sources said.
The case continues to unfold, with both parties standing firm on their accounts. Observers note that the situation highlights ongoing challenges in overseeing public infrastructure projects and maintaining transparency.
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