Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the distribution of ₱16.8 million intended for 84 barangays, which was reportedly promised by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during an April 24 program.
In a social media post, Leviste said he moved to clarify what transpired after receiving conflicting accounts from barangay officials and government representatives.
“Nakapag-file po ako ng resolusyon para imbestigahan ng Kongreso kung ano ang nangyari sa ₱16.8M para sa 84 barangays na ipinangako ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos noong April 24,” Leviste stated.
According to barangay captains, they submitted requirements on April 17 and even went to the provincial capitol on April 22 to follow up on the release of the ₱200,000 aid per barangay. However, they were reportedly informed that they were not included in the April 24 distribution.
Leviste cited claims that Batangas ABC President Fernan Rocafort allegedly said they were excluded because “nagtampururot ang Governor,” while the Office of the Provincial Governor reportedly told them their schedule depended on the governor’s approval.
The lawmaker also emphasized that barangay officials were not instructed by any congressman or mayor to skip the event. Instead, he said they were told by the Office of the Provincial Governor and the Liga ng mga Barangay that they were not part of the April 24 payout.
“Dahil iba ito sa mga pahayag nina Rocafort, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, at Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, mahalagang malaman ang katotohanan,” Leviste said, stressing the need to establish the facts to prevent similar incidents in future nationwide implementations of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program.
He also raised concerns over the reported use of aid materials bearing the logos of the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Provincial Government of Batangas, noting that such practices “maaaring labag sa batas at anti-epal policies.”
Leviste has called on the Committee on Justice, led by Congresswoman Atty. Gerville “Jinky” Luistro, or other relevant congressional panels, to conduct a formal investigation involving concerned government agencies and affected barangay officials.
