Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste changed his tune on Friday, backpedaling on his initial claim linking Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez to contractors, resulting in his resignation on the same day.

After naming Perez on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Leviste clarified the DPWH executive was not the one who had met up with three contractors. The congressman merely assumed that numerous contractors have been in talks with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s team, RH 12 Milky Rigonan reported.

“Ang sinabi ko lang kanina ay maaari nating sabihin halos lahat ng mga appointees sa DPWH ay linalapitan ng mga contractors. Baka ‘yung iba, hindi pumapayag,” he said.

Leviste explained it is public knowledge that when contractors and executives meet outside of official agency affairs, the former is requesting a project.

He added that Perez’s name frequently comes up in rumors, and, although Leviste has no proof of his connection to contractors, he said Perez should refrain from involving himself with them given his already questionable transactions while affiliated with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

“Siya po ang may kuwestyunableng record among the appointees ni Secretary Dizon. Puwede natin pong tingnan ang record ng mga bidding at procurement, noong panahon ni Secretary Dizon at ni Usec. Arrey Perez sa BCDA,” he said.

However, Leviste admitted that the negative reports he received about Dizon’s team are only based on stories he has heard.

Dizon earlier confirmed that Perez had tendered his irrevocable resignation so the DPWH may channel its efforts into reform.