Leviste urges DPWH to release budget, contractor data

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Friday urged Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to disclose details about the agency’s budget and affiliations since the start of his term.

“The agenda of my press briefing yesterday was not to get personal about members of Secretary Dizon's team but to lower the price of DPWH projects to avoid suspicions of getting kickbacks,” Leviste said in an interview on DZRH’s Dos por Dos.

The lawmaker said he was echoing a request made by other members of the House of Representatives for Dizon to provide project data by district.

“He said he will release it but he hasn't released it yet,” Leviste added.

Concerns over contractor links

Beyond the agency’s budget, Leviste called on the DPWH to be transparent about its connections with contractors. He pointed to Undersecretary Arrey Perez as a key figure in those relationships.

"I heard that he will be tasked with handling procurement or bidding for major projects at the DPWH Central Office," he said.

Leviste also claimed to have knowledge of Perez’s background that could influence public perception of his role in the bidding process.

Still, he clarified he was not directly accusing Perez of misconduct.

“I'm not saying that 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,” he said.

'Reforming the system'

Leviste further alleged that Perez was not alone, suggesting there are other officials within the department who face similar questions about their affiliations. However, he said he does not intend to name them.

“I have lines of communication with them that is why I don't want to name many more of them,” he said.

He emphasized the need to focus not on individuals but on structural reform.

He added he wants to move away from the idea that corruption can be eliminated simply by replacing people, instead calling for broader systemic changes in the agency.