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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH to suspend Batangas district engineer accused of P3M bribery

DPWH to suspend Batangas district engineer accused of P3M bribery

Published Aug 25, 2025 12:16 pm
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (File photo: DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (File photo: DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced it will suspend a Batangas district engineer accused of offering more than P3 million to Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste just to dissuade him from probing alleged irregular flood control projects in the province.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the recent allegations involving Abelardo Calalo, 51, district engineer of the DPWH-Batangas 1st Engineering District Office, were “deeply concerning” and “are being taken very seriously.”
“As public servants, we at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) do not condone any form of misconduct. We fully support the ongoing investigation by the proper authorities and stand firm in our commitment to transparency and integrity in public service,” he said.
Bonoan said the suspension papers of Calalo will be implemented on Tuesday once the documents are finalized.
“The individual involved will be relieved of his assignment, and preventive suspension will be implemented. We firmly believe that those found to have engaged in any wrongdoing must face the full consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” the public works chief said.
Calalo was arrested in an entrapment operation in Brgy. Poblacion, Zone 12, Taal, Batangas around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 22.
According to an initial investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Rep. Leviste reported an alleged attempted bribery by the suspect amounting to P3,126,900, hence, the police operation.
“He offered to dissuade Cong. Leviste from investigating DPWH projects in the 1st District,” the PNP said in a report.
Calalo was arrested and appropriate booking was done by Taal police, along with the proper documentation of the pieces of evidence recovered.
This came amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to audit flood control projects and hold accountable the contractors and individuals involved in irregularities in light of repeated widespread flooding during the typhoon season.

Related Tags

DPWH Manuel Bonoan Batangas bribery flood control corruption
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