NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DPWH Removes Officials Linked To Contractors After Leviste Alert
Photo credit: Leandro Legarda Leviste
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on December 3 that two officials brought in by former Undersecretary Arrey Perez are no longer with the agency following allegations of ties to contractors.
The action follows concerns raised by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, who in October flagged multiple appointees with potential conflicts of interest. Secretary Vince Dizon launched an investigation to verify the claims and subsequently rescinded the appointments of a DPWH Assistant Secretary and a Director IV of Convergence and Technical Services after confirming their contractor links.
The two officials had been brought in by Perez, who resigned in October, and were reportedly connected to companies linked with Construction Workers Solidarity Partylist Representative Edwin Gardiola, which have secured over ₱100 billion in DPWH projects.
Leviste has also highlighted broader issues of officials across government using contractor connections to influence project budgets, diverting funds from essential services like classrooms and hospitals to infrastructure projects.
Investigations continue into other officials, including an Undersecretary from another agency who became a DPWH contractor for flood control projects, as well as personnel in the DPWH Central Office flagged for questionable projects.
In a statement, the DPWH expressed gratitude to Leviste for his recommendations and vigilance, emphasizing the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continued reform.
The action follows concerns raised by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, who in October flagged multiple appointees with potential conflicts of interest. Secretary Vince Dizon launched an investigation to verify the claims and subsequently rescinded the appointments of a DPWH Assistant Secretary and a Director IV of Convergence and Technical Services after confirming their contractor links.
The two officials had been brought in by Perez, who resigned in October, and were reportedly connected to companies linked with Construction Workers Solidarity Partylist Representative Edwin Gardiola, which have secured over ₱100 billion in DPWH projects.
Leviste has also highlighted broader issues of officials across government using contractor connections to influence project budgets, diverting funds from essential services like classrooms and hospitals to infrastructure projects.
Investigations continue into other officials, including an Undersecretary from another agency who became a DPWH contractor for flood control projects, as well as personnel in the DPWH Central Office flagged for questionable projects.
In a statement, the DPWH expressed gratitude to Leviste for his recommendations and vigilance, emphasizing the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continued reform.
Dec 3, 2025
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