Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste on Friday alleged that several officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including Undersecretary Arrey Perez, are connected to contractors involved in government projects.

In an exclusive interview on #DosPorDos, Leviste said he has received credible information from multiple sources indicating that some of the newly appointed officials under DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon maintain links with contractors — raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest in upcoming infrastructure biddings.

“Narinig ko na ipapahawak daw sa kanya [Usec. Perez] ang procurement o bidding ng malalaking proyekto sa sentro ng DPWH.”

Leviste warned that corruption may persist within the agency’s central office if individuals with prior dealings or relationships with contractors are allowed to oversee procurement and bidding processes.

“Ang focus ko ay sana repormahin natin ang sistema at huwag natin isipin na kung palitan lang natin ang mga tao na gagawa ng bidding ng mga proyekto, wala nang korapsyon,” he said.

The lawmaker also called on Secretary Dizon to order full disclosure from his team regarding any meetings or communications they have had with contractors since assuming office.

“Hiniling ko kay Secretary Dizon na ipaalam ng lahat ng miyembro ng kanyang team kung sinu-sino ang mga kontratistang nakausap nila mula simula ng kanilang termino, pati na rin kung may personal na koneksyon sila,” Leviste added.

“Para kung makinabang sila sa DPWH sa mga susunod na panahon, malalaman natin na may koneksyon din pala ang mga opisyal ng DPWH sa mga kontratistang ito.”

Leviste further revealed that he has been informed by at least ten independent and credible sources about possible relationships between DPWH officials and private contractors.

“Baka 10 tao ang nagbigay sakin ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga miyembro ng team ni Secretary Dizon. Iba-ibang source at credible,” he stated.

He added that the media could conduct background checks on the officials in question, particularly on Usec. Perez, to verify these reports.

“Meron akong information tungkol sa history ni Usec. Arrey Perez na kung malaman ng publiko ay baka sasabihin ng iba hindi siya tamang humawak ng bidding ng central office ng DPWH,” Leviste said.

While emphasizing that his intention is not to attack specific individuals, Leviste insisted that the DPWH leadership must ensure transparency and accountability in its operations.

“Ang point ko lang sana ay we ask Sec. Dizon disclose the information that he committed and lower the prices, and if he does that, then we can be confident that there’s real change in the DPWH,” he said.

In a press briefing yesterday, where Leviste first disclosed the alleged ties of some DPWH officials to contractors, the congressman said his statements were not meant to attack Dizon personally, but to urge transparency amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and “ghost” flood control projects.