Leviste claims evidence of DPWH kickbacks

Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Thursday claimed he has evidence showing that certain personalities received kickbacks from anomalous projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying he is prepared to reveal everything “at the right time.”

Leviste made the claim after disclosing that some “representatives of the administration” allegedly approached his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, to persuade him to go abroad instead of further exposing information related to the flood control scandal.

Following these developments, the young lawmaker filed a travel authority covering February to July, during which he is expected to visit at least 20 countries.

In a statement, Leviste reiterated that he had no intention of traveling abroad and only sought permission from Congress after what he described as pressure from administration representatives.

“Representatives of the administration pleaded with my mother for me to leave the country instead of fully releasing evidence regarding the proponents of anomalous DPWH projects,” Leviste said.

The solon said he has been advised that the present moment is not the right time to disclose the alleged evidence of kickbacks. However, he revealed that he has already prepared contingency materials should anything happen to him.

"Once this evidence is released, you will understand why they are attacking me—it is because of their fear of what I will reveal. However, we will not be shaken by baseless accusations, and the truth will emerge in due time. When that time comes, I hope you will understand why I was advised that now was not the right time to speak," he said.

Leviste also expressed hope that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and other current and former DPWH officials would eventually come forward.

He added that he hopes no more witnesses “would be found dead, fall off a cliff, or be silenced.”