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Bribery Claims Ignite Tensions Among Philippine Lawmakers

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste filed a case against Department of Public Works and Highways Engineer Abelardo Calalo for bribery and corruption over flood-control projects on August 26, 2025.
Lanao del Sur Representative Ziaur-Rahman Adiong denied Leviste's claim that House members received P2 million in Christmas bonuses, calling them operational expenses.
Adiong criticized Leviste for misrepresenting these funds.
Leviste has previously claimed to have declined P20 million in operational funds since taking office.

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Story summary

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste filed a case against Department of Public Works and Highways Engineer Abelardo Calalo for bribery and corruption over flood-control projects on August 26, 2025.
Lanao del Sur Representative Ziaur-Rahman Adiong denied Leviste's claim that House members received P2 million in Christmas bonuses, calling them operational expenses.
Adiong criticized Leviste for misrepresenting these funds.
Leviste has previously claimed to have declined P20 million in operational funds since taking office.