A political firestorm has erupted in Batangas's 1st district as Congressman Leandro Leviste and District Engineer Abelardo Calalo trade accusations over alleged bribery and irregularities in infrastructure projects.

The controversy began when Engineer Calalo accused Congressman Leviste of filing a lawsuit against him for his political agenda. In a statement, Calalo claimed the suit was a retaliatory move after he allegedly tried to bribe the congressman to halt an investigation into local infrastructure projects.

However, Calalo vehemently denies the bribery attempt. "For the record, I vehemently deny that I had tried to offer money to Cong. Leviste in exchange for some favor," he stated in a written affidavit, adding that he believes the lawsuit is part of Leviste's political agenda.

Congressman Leviste fired back, urging Calalo to reveal the names of the contractors involved in the alleged payoffs. “Inamin niya nangolekta siya ng pera sa mga contractor para ibigay sa akin, sabi lang niya donasyon ito pero ang pera naman mah kasamang resibo.”

Leviste further challenged the engineer's claim of a "political agenda." He asserted that his true agenda is to "clean up the DPWH in the 1st district of Batangas." Leviste also expressed his desire for Calalo to expose information he knows about other contractors who are involved in irregularities in their district.

The dispute has raised questions about corruption and transparency in public works, leaving many to watch as the conflict between the two officials unfolds.