Batangas 1st District Congressman Leandro Leviste has filed multiple charges against Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, including direct bribery, corruption of public officials, and violations of ethical standards, before the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Leviste revealed that the case involves far more than a ₱3.1 million bribe, alleging that up to ₱300 million in annual kickbacks—known as SOPs—are tied to DPWH projects earmarked for the First District.

In his sworn statement, Leviste said Calalo disclosed that contractors were willing to offer 5% to 10% of the district’s ₱3.6 billion project budget—amounting to ₱180 million to ₱360 million—as “support” for educational programs.

One contractor reportedly offered an initial ₱15 million, while the ₱3.1 million presented by Calalo represented 3% of a ₱104 million project, complete with receipts.

Leviste further alleged that project bidding in the district was manipulated, with contractors handpicked by a sitting congressman in exchange for kickbacks. Calalo reportedly named key contractors and individuals who influenced project implementation under a previous representative.

“Had I agreed, meetings with contractors would have taken place this week, potentially generating hundreds of millions in kickbacks for 2025 projects,” Leviste said. “Over three years, these kickbacks could exceed ₱1 billion.”

While Calalo faces charges, Leviste believes others may bear greater responsibility. He urged the engineer and other DPWH personnel—past and present—to come forward as state witnesses to expose the full extent of corruption.

“I will never accept kickbacks,” Leviste declared. “I will ensure that all projects in the First District are properly implemented. We will continue auditing DPWH projects, not just flood control, and demand that any defective work be corrected at no additional cost to the government.”