IN a statement that could send ripples through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Representative Leandro Leviste revealed that he is in possession of files detailing DPWH insertions from across the country.
Leviste stated that the files were given to him by DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral on September 4, following instructions from Secretary Vince Dizon to release them in the interest of transparency.
“USec Cabral gave me files listing the proponents of DPWH insertions of the whole country…thanks to Sec Vince, and I will release them if he tells me to,” Leviste declared.
The files, according to Leviste, contain a comprehensive list of individuals who proposed flood control and other DPWH projects. This list includes not only members of Congress and the Senate but also individuals from the Executive branch, including Secretaries and Undersecretaries outside of the DPWH, as well as private citizens.
Leviste emphasized the potential impact of releasing these files, stating that they could have “wide-ranging consequences.” He expressed a preference for the DPWH to decide on the public release of the files to avoid compromising his work in Congress. He noted that he had already shared the files with the Integrity Committee of the House of Representatives (ICI) on November 18 and 19, and with the Ombudsman on November 26, who found them valuable for their investigations.
Leviste also provided context on his acquisition of the files, explaining that he had been requesting data on the budget of each congressional district since May. After a meeting with USec Cabral in June and a follow-up letter in August, he finally received the files on September 4, thanks to Secretary Dizon’s push for transparency after assuming office on September 1.
In light of recent events, Leviste’s immediate concern is the safety of DPWH personnel who possess copies of these files and ensuring their preservation. He awaits the DPWH’s position on the public release of the files and will act accordingly based on Secretary Dizon’s directive.
