Batangas Lawmaker Foils P3.1 Million Bribe Attempt by DPWH Engineer
Batangas, Philippines – A Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer is facing charges after being apprehended in an elaborate entrapment operation for allegedly attempting to bribe Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste with a staggering P3.1 million. The incident has sent ripples through the local political landscape and sparked renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability within government agencies.
According to reports, the engineer approached Representative Leviste with the substantial sum of money, purportedly in exchange for favorable consideration on a forthcoming infrastructure project. The offer was immediately flagged by Leviste’s security detail, who promptly alerted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI swiftly launched an entrapment operation, carefully orchestrating a scenario where the engineer would attempt to hand over the bribe money. As the exchange was taking place, agents moved in to arrest the engineer, recovering the P3.1 million in cash. The engineer is now in custody and facing charges of bribery and corruption.
“We commend Representative Leviste for his vigilance and integrity in reporting this attempted bribe,” stated an NBI spokesperson. “His actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of corruption in the Philippines and the importance of constant vigilance.”
The incident has drawn significant attention from various sectors of society. Good governance advocates have praised Leviste’s response and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. They also emphasized the need for stronger safeguards and mechanisms to prevent corruption within the DPWH and other government agencies involved in public works projects.
Representative Leviste, in a brief statement, reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of the Filipino people. “I will not tolerate any attempts to compromise my integrity or the integrity of the legislative process,” he declared. “We will cooperate fully with the NBI in their investigation and ensure that justice is served.”
The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on the full scope of the alleged bribery scheme and identify any other individuals who may have been involved. Authorities are also examining the specific infrastructure project that was the subject of the attempted bribe, to determine if there were any irregularities or conflicts of interest.
This case highlights the critical role of whistleblowers and the importance of fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within government. It also underscores the need for continuous efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and ensure that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.