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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Don't underestimate evil': Legarda Leviste must always mind his security, says Lacson

'Don't underestimate evil': Legarda Leviste must always mind his security, says Lacson

Published Aug 25, 2025 12:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has advised Senator Loren Legarda to tell her son, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, to "always mind his security".
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has advised Senator Loren Legarda to tell her son, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, to "always mind his security".
This, after the 32-year-old congressman rejected millions in bribe money from a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer. Not only that, Legarda Leviste even had the engineer arrested.
"Exactly what I advised Sen Loren when I informed her about Cong Leviste’s unusual feat as a neophyte congressman - that her son must always mind his security," Lacson said in a statement.
"Billions of public funds are involved or at stake in a game he’s in and that he cannot underestimate evil," added Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
The incident with Legarda Leviste took place amid intense public scrutiny over the alleged involvement of lawmakers in anomalous flood control projects.
He said that Senator Legarda, being a mother, "sounded very worried for his son’s physical safety and security".
Thoroughly impressed by the Batangas solon, Lacson--a staunch anti-corruption crusader himself--is looking forward to meeting him personally
"She (Senator Legarda) reminded me that sometime ago, Leandro was wanting to meet up with me to get some 'mentoring' on how to spot and investigate anomalous infra projects," Lacson shared.
"Hindi pa na-schedule (It has yet to be scheduled) since I was very busy preparing my flood control privilege speech at that time," he noted.
"Maybe this time, we can sit down if only to personally commend and congratulate him for firmly standing up against the 'norms' of kickbacks that have eaten many young and aspiring public servants in the Philippine Congress."
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