Senator Panfilo Lacson said the failed bribery attempt of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste by DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo shows how district officials may have been reduced to mere “legmen” or “bagmen” of powerful contractors and lawmakers behind budget insertions.
Lacson warned that corruption in DPWH has become so systemic that only “surgical reforms” can fix it, not just reassigning or firing officials.
He urged the PNP-CIDG or NBI to investigate who directed Calalo’s bribery attempt, saying the money trail likely leads to influential contractors or lawmakers.
The senator cited reports that the case involves some P3.6 billion worth of projects under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, with alleged kickbacks reaching 10% or P360 million, higher than the usual 5-6% cut.
“Somebody more powerful must be behind this whole scheme,” Lacson said, stressing that all those involved, regardless of position, must be held accountable.
The senator pointed out that systemic reforms are needed, recalling how former DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson curbed corruption during the Aquino administration.
“Corruption has become systemic in the DPWH so a surgical solution is needed, not a band-aid one,” added Lacson.IMT
