A Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer in Batangas has denied allegations of bribery and corruption filed against him by Congressman Leandro Leviste, calling the case a politically motivated attack.
In a statement obtained by ABS-CBN News, Engr. Abelardo Calalo, who was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe Leviste, said he had already submitted his counter-affidavit denying the charges of graft and corruption of public officials.
“I vehemently deny the accusations against me. The same are either contrived or founded on a twisting of the truth, and clearly as part of a political agenda,” Calalo asserted.
Calalo claimed that as early as May, he had been directed by another lawmaker to gather “donations” from contractors involved in DPWH projects in Batangas’ 1st District, supposedly as support for Leviste’s programs. In August, he said Leviste visited his office, asking him to name contractors from the previous administration that allegedly delivered substandard projects.
When he told Leviste that he had no personal knowledge of such issues, Calalo said the lawmaker appeared dissatisfied and suspected he was being targeted for removal.
He recalled a meeting on August 22, where Leviste allegedly inquired how much money could be raised if contractor donations reached 10% of project values. Calalo claimed he responded with an estimate of ₱360 million but doubted that such a figure would be reached since only one contractor had given a small amount at the time.
During a subsequent encounter, Calalo said Leviste asked, “Meron ka bang dala ngayon?” which surprised him. Calalo admitted he had a small amount from one contractor and suggested giving it to the congressman’s assistant instead. However, Leviste allegedly insisted, saying, “Kunin mo na kahit maliit pa para masimulan na natin.” Calalo claimed that he then retrieved the donation from his car but was suddenly arrested by police.
“This is a case of instigation and not entrapment,” Calalo said, explaining that he believed he was lured into an act he otherwise had no intention of committing.
He urged Leviste to be fair in his anti-corruption efforts and not to reduce individuals “as dispensable instruments” in the pursuit of his agenda.
“After all, it has been said, ‘The end cannot simply justify the means,’” Calalo added.
Meanwhile, Rep. Leviste firmly denied Calalo’s accusations in an interview on ANC’s Dateline, saying he was “shocked” when Calalo brought up the subject of money and claimed he never solicited donations.
“He was the one that said he has something with him,” Leviste said. “I did not ask for him to give me the donation. He brought it, and he was the one who said, ‘I have it here.’”
Leviste questioned why Calalo failed to name the contractors involved, especially since the seized money reportedly came with receipts tied to Toptech Trading and Construction Corporation, Inc.
The congressman further suggested that contractors like S-Ang Construction and Readycon Trading—linked to DPWH projects in the district—have ties to a current member of Congress. He called on the media to examine these connections, noting that Calalo’s affidavit omitted these crucial details.
Leviste emphasized that his meetings with Calalo were part of regular coordination between a district representative and the DPWH.
