Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has called for a congressional investigation after 84 barangay captains in the province expressed willingness to testify over their alleged exclusion from a ₱200,000 aid distribution under the government’s “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program.
In a statement posted on social media, Leviste said the village officials are prepared to appear before Congress to detail what they described as discriminatory treatment after their barangays reportedly did not receive the promised assistance announced on April 24 under the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr..
According to the barangay captains, they had submitted complete requirements and were not advised to skip the event, yet they were allegedly not invited by the provincial government despite announcements that all barangays in Batangas should be present.
Taal Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Lamberto Marcellana claimed he was told by a provincial board member that some areas, including Taal and Nasugbu, were excluded because Governor Vilma Santos was supposedly displeased.
A similar account was shared by Nasugbu ABC President Emerito Herrera, who said local officials denied organizing the event when asked about the omission.
The barangay leaders also refuted claims that Leviste himself prevented them from attending the distribution, insisting no such instruction was given. One barangay captain, June Manimtim, urged that they be invited to Congress to prove the lawmaker’s non-involvement.
Further allegations include the creation of a separate group chat by provincial staff that excluded the 84 barangays, limiting coordination only to selected municipalities.
In response, Leviste said he would shoulder the ₱200,000 assistance for each affected barangay while awaiting the official release of funds. He added that the barangay captains have already resubmitted their documents directly to Malacañang after earlier submissions to the provincial capitol.
“Hangga’t hindi maipaliwanag kung bakit hindi isinama ang 84 barangays, hindi natin matitiyak na hindi mauulit ang pamumulitika sa pamimigay ng ayuda," Leviste said, as he urged Congress or the Senate to conduct a formal inquiry.
The issue has raised concerns over transparency and fairness in the distribution of government assistance at the local level.
