Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Tuesday disputed the defense of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, who earlier claimed that the cash he received from contractors were merely “donations.”

Leviste revealed that the money Calalo handed to him came with a receipt tied to three contracts amounting to ₱104,230,000. The document also carried a handwritten note indicating “3% 3,126,900.00.”

According to DPWH records, the contracts were awarded to Toptech Trading & Construction Co., Inc., owned by Elrey Jose C. Noche of Lemery, Batangas.

"It seems that DE has admitted getting donations from contractors. DE should admit the long list of names of other contractors and proponents of projects in the 1st District of Batangas, whom he told me in our conversation were also ready and willing to give support,” Leviste said in a statement posted online.

Leviste added that the contractor involved has already left the country.

The revelation adds to mounting scrutiny over alleged corruption within DPWH’s infrastructure and flood control projects nationwide.

Earlier, Leviste filed charges against Calalo for direct bribery, corruption of public officials, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.