Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has distanced the agency from the alleged bribery attempt of Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo to Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Bonoan said he chose not to confront Calalo about the controversy.
“Hindi ko na kinausap. Sinabi ko siya, bahala ka sa buhay mo. Ito pa yung isang nakakasira sa imahe na naman ng DPWH. Mga ganitong asal ng mga gawain na kagaya nitong district engineer na ito na nagtangkang manuhol on his own. It is on his own initiative,” Bonoan said.
The DPWH chief emphasized that such misconduct damages the department’s reputation and assured the public that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.
“Kaya nga nagtataka rin ako. If it is on his own na talagang initiative niya on his own na manuhol, ibang asal niyan. He does not have any place in the department kung ganyan ang attitude at ganyan ang asal niya,” he added.
Bonoan’s remarks came after Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste formally filed charges against Calalo, citing direct bribery, corruption of public officials, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
