Rep. Leviste Names DPWH Official Linked to Contractors
LEANDRO LEGARDA LEVISTE — The Batangas Representative has identified Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez as one of the officials under Secretary Vince Dizon’s team who allegedly has connections or has communicated with contractors. In a radio interview, Leviste declined to provide full details about Perez’s alleged involvement, saying it would be best for Secretary Dizon to conduct an internal investigation to verify the matter.
Leviste mentioned that he had heard Perez might soon handle the procurement and bidding of major infrastructure projects at the DPWH central office. He clarified that he was not directly accusing anyone of corruption or receiving kickbacks but noted that corruption within the DPWH remains hard to avoid. According to him, newly appointed undersecretaries often attract attention from contractors—even without asking for it—as many seek to establish connections for future projects.
The congressman also echoed Secretary Dizon’s statement from a press conference on October 16, where Dizon expressed his willingness to investigate his own team. Leviste said that since Dizon had encouraged him to name names, he decided to mention Perez. He added that during the press briefing, he received calls from other DPWH officials but chose not to disclose further names or details about alleged deeper connections between contractors and some DPWH personnel.
Leviste urged Dizon to publicly disclose any possible links or communications between his team members and contractors since taking office. He also suggested that each official reveal which contractors they have interacted with to promote transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest.
Leviste commended Secretary Dizon, calling him a reformist who supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s push for transparency in government. He emphasized that the public has the right to know whether DPWH officials have held private meetings with contractors.
The lawmaker concluded that his goal is not to target individuals but to reform the entire system. He stressed that merely replacing people in charge of project bidding will not eliminate corruption if the same flawed practices persist, particularly within the central office.