Leviste apologizes to colleagues amid budget disclosure controversy

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste extended an apology to fellow lawmakers who may have been affected by his efforts to expose alleged corruption in government, stressing that he is not accusing any member of Congress of wrongdoing.

The young lawmaker said his actions were intended to disclose information he has gathered, not to accuse any lawmaker of corruption, as he expressed regret if his statements had caused discomfort among his colleagues.

Since 24 December 2025, Leviste has released hundreds of budget documents on his Facebook page involving the Department of Public Works and Highways, including details on so-called “allocables,” or the millions of pesos in annual earmarked funds that district representatives may allocate.

He has also called out more senior members of the House for allegedly making “insertions” in the national budget.

Budget insertions by lawmakers have long been criticized and often linked to allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control.

During a press briefing, Leviste shared advice given to him by his mother, Senator Loren Legarda.

"My mother also told me not to get into fights, but I only want to clarify that I'm not an enemy of the administration, and I simply respond whenever my name is mentioned,” he said.

Leviste noted that the media was aware his mother was with President Bongbong Marcos during the inauguration of the Antique airport last Monday, which was why she had reminded him to avoid confrontations.

He said he told his mother that he was merely defending himself whenever his name was dragged into the issue.