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DPWH engineer nabbed for P3.1M bribe attempt
The Freeman
|August 26, 2025
A government engineer was arrested in an entrapment operation after allegedly attempting to bribe Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) with around P3.1 million in cash to stop a probe into anomalous projects in the district, according to the Batangas police.
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This development comes while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under congressional investigation for irregularities and corruption in flood control projects, where officials allegedly receive kickbacks.
Currently, the Taal Municipal Police Station has DPWH Batangas 1st District engineer Abelardo Calalo in custody following his arrest on Friday, August 22. Authorities are still determining whether the P3.1 million recovered during the operation was only an initial payment.
In a statement, the DPWH said Calalo will be relieved of his assignment and placed under preventive suspension.
The agency also denounced corruption within its ranks, saying it fully supports the ongoing investigations by the proper authorities.
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