Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez clarified that the P2-million checks received by legislators, including Rep. Leandro Leviste, were lawful disbursements for office operations, not Christmas bonuses as claimed.
He emphasized that the funds cover salaries, utilities, and constituent services, and that the House budget is fully audited and transparent.
Leviste, however, raised concerns over DPWH projects labeled “OP (ES/SAP),” questioning the funding of P8 billion worth of projects, including overpriced streetlights in his district.
SAP Antonio Lagdameo Jr. denied any involvement, calling attempts to link his office to the projects “false and misleading” and stressing that OSAP has no mandate over DPWH budgets.
Malacañang said it will defer to the Ombudsman to verify the so-called Leviste files while Alvarez reiterated that the House’s operations remain lawful and transparent.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 2, 2026
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