Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste confirmed in an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Dos por Dos that he is set to file charges today, August 26, against Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Abelardo Calalo.
According to Leviste, the case will be filed personally before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Batangas City, covering anti-bribery, corruption of public officials, violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and other related charges.
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The congressman revealed that he was offered not only over ₱3 million in cash but also a 10% “SOP” (standard operating procedure) cut from DPWH projects in his district.
“Pero sinabi din sa akin na ang mga projects ng DPWH sa aking distrito ay pwede ding bigyan sa akin po ng 10% na SOP. At ito po ay ginagawa talaga para sa mga congressman,” Leviste said.
Despite persistent efforts from contractors and Calalo to persuade him, Leviste stressed that he rejected the offer and immediately sought action against the anomaly.
“At dahil alam ko po na illegal ang mga SOP na ito, itawagin ko po ang tulong ng PNP para ma-arrestuhan ang district engineer,” he said.
The filing of charges comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects under the DPWH.
