Rep. Leandro Leviste filed bribery charges against Batangas district engineer Abelardo Calalo, presenting contracts showing a handwritten “3%” payment of over P3 million as alleged hush money.
Calalo denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and insisting the payments were voluntary “donations” to support projects.
He recounted meetings with Leviste and other officials, claiming he was pressured to collect contributions from contractors but denied trying to bribe the lawmaker.
Calalo was arrested on August 22 after attempting to deliver donations requested by Leviste, but he maintains his innocence.
Leviste, however, insists the engineer is involved in corrupt practices and highlighted additional contractors willing to pay large sums.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 6, 2025
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