DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo has posted bail of P60,000 after being charged in connection with the alleged bribery attempt against Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.
Lt. Col. Aleli Buaquen, spokesperson for the Batangas Police Provincial Office, confirmed that Calalo posted bail at around 1:00 p.m. this Thursday. Calalo was arrested by the Taal Municipal Police Station last week.
Representative Leviste revealed on Monday that Calalo allegedly attempted to bribe him with P3.1 million in exchange for halting an investigation into irregularities in infrastructure projects in the province.
As a result, Calalo was charged with direct bribery, violation of Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code regarding corruption of public officials, and Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Meanwhile, the DPWH has confirmed the temporary suspension of Calalo while the investigation into the incident continues. Authorities are continuing to focus on the case in order to determine the extent of possible corruption involved.
The swift action of the authorities and the DPWH underscores the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in public service.
