BATANGAS CITY — Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste on Friday admitted he mistakenly named former Public Works Undersecretary Arrey Perez as the official allegedly linked to contractors, clarifying that he was referring to another undersecretary.
Leviste issued the clarification hours after Perez tendered his irrevocable resignation, citing “delicadeza.” Perez resigned after reportedly assuming that he was the official being alluded to by the lawmaker.
“It’s another one [who met with contractors],” Leviste said in Filipino during a media interview. “What I said earlier is that almost all appointees at the DPWH are being approached by contractors; maybe others do not agree to meet, but I can say that almost all agree to meet.”
Perez, who was sworn into office on September 29, served only 18 days before stepping down. Records show he was not involved in any DPWH projects during his brief tenure. Prior to joining the agency, he held key positions at Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
Despite his admission, Leviste maintained his call for structural reforms within the DPWH to ensure transparency and accountability in public works projects.
“I ask that we reform the policies at DPWH, like lowering project prices and disclosing budget information. Once these are implemented, even if officials meet with contractors outside the office, we won’t suspect them of seeking kickbacks,” he said.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon assured that the agency would not tolerate any irregularities and vowed immediate action should evidence of wrongdoing arise.
“We will not tolerate any wrongdoing in the DPWH. If evidence is found linking any of our officials to illegal activities or conflicts of interest, we will take swift and decisive action,” Dizon said in a statement.
He also reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to cleanse government institutions and stamp out corruption, particularly in agencies handling infrastructure projects.| – BNN Integrated News
