Daily Tribune“I am asking Secretary Dizon in the interest of transparency, to disclose all of his and his team member’s connections, discussions and interest in contractors and companies that do business with DPWH,” Leviste stated.
Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste made a revelation on Thursday that there are some alleged Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) high-ranking officials that are contractors of the department.
According to Rep. Leviste, the information came from his various sources inside the House of Representatives. Leviste did not disclose who these sources are.
“I am relaying what I have heard from multiple sources, that Secretary Dizon or members of his team have connections with DPWH contractors. I was told by one source, some of his team are contractors,” Rep. Leviste said.
“And I was told by another person that others on his teams, even those that are not contractors, have been talking to contractors and asking for something, [at may hinihingi]” he added.
Leviste stated that he is not discrediting the progress that DPWH Secretary Dizon made. However, he noted that transparency should be sought and no one should be beyond scrutiny of the public.
“I am asking Secretary Dizon in the interest of transparency, to disclose all of his and his team members' connections, discussions and interest in contractors and companies that do business with DPWH,” Leviste stated.
The congressman reiterated his call to DPWH to lower the cost of their projects by 25 percent, noting that this is a reflection on the department and the secretary. He stated that lowering prices shows that they are uninterested in any corruption, similar to the controversial flood control scandal.
“If Secretary Dizon will lower the prices by 25 percent, I don’t even need to ask if he has any interest in DPWH contracts. Because anyone who will lower prices by 25 percent is showing that he is against kickbacks,” Leviste explained.
This is the advocacy Leviste pushed during the 2026 national budget deliberations. According to Leviste at that time, the country could save P400 billion, which is enough to build new classrooms nationwide, without additional expenses, debts or taxes.
In the middle of the press briefing, an unnamed official from DPWH called Leviste and stated that the department will look into the said individuals and removal from their position is possible.
“Of course, there should not be contractors who work in the DPWH,” Leviste said.
“They are saying, they will search among which of the new appointees are contractors, and remove them,” he added.
