Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste on Friday named Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez as one of Secretary Dizon’s alleged officials who have connections with, or are in contact with, contractors.

In a radio interview, Leviste said he heard from various sources that the DPWH undersecretary is about to be assigned to handle the bidding of projects in the department.

“I heard he will reportedly be assigned to handle the procurement or bidding of major projects at the DPWH central office,” Leviste said.

The congressman made the remark in response to the DPWH chief’s challenge to name officials allegedly linked to contractors. However, Leviste clarified that he was not saying Perez would receive kickbacks, but noted that contractors naturally approach newly appointed officials.

“I’m not saying he will receive a kickback, but it’s really hard to avoid corruption in the DPWH. When you’re newly appointed as an undersecretary, many contractors will approach you,” Leviste explained.

Rep. Leviste then clarified that his agenda is to push for systemic reform, emphasizing that changing the person in charge of bidding would not necessarily eliminate corruption. He advocates a 25-percent markdown on the prices of DPWH projects.

According to the congressman, such a markdown would reduce the incentive for contractors and DPWH officials to seek kickbacks, reflecting that the department has no plans to tolerate corruption.

“My focus is that we should reform the system, and not think that simply changing the people handling the bidding would eliminate corruption,” Leviste said.

Furthermore, Leviste stated that Perez is not the only official with affiliations to contractors but said he would leave the investigation to Dizon, while expressing hope for transparency. The congressman added that he intends to maintain open communication with DPWH officials for the reforms he seeks.

“I salute Sec. Dizon because he is a reformer, and I’m sure he supports President Marcos’ call for transparency. I think it’s relevant for the public to know if there were meetings with DPWH officials outside the department in recent months,” Leviste said.