Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has made serious accusations against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, alleging attempts to bribe political figures to manipulate election outcomes. This revelation marks a significant intensification of their ongoing rivalry.
Recto claimed that during their initial meeting, Leviste offered PHP400 million to persuade a political rival to withdraw from the election. A subsequent proposal allegedly reached PHP1 billion for Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to step aside.
“Even during our first meeting he had PHP400 million… I rejected it,” Recto stated.
Both offers were described by Recto as unacceptable and insulting. He emphasized that these allegations have not been independently verified.
The accusations surfaced amid Leviste's recent claims regarding fund distribution and political dealings within the province.
In addition to bribery allegations, Recto accused Leviste of running disinformation campaigns and pursuing personal interests, particularly in land acquisitions in Nasugbu.
The conflict between the two politicians has roots in policy disagreements, especially regarding the administration's position on value-added tax (VAT) on fuel.
Recto also raised concerns about Leviste's alleged ghost solar projects, referencing 163 canceled initiatives that could incur penalties of PHP24 billion due to non-compliance.
Lawmakers have criticized Leviste for securing contracts yet failing to deliver promised results, prompting calls for congressional investigations.
“He is a deranged and dangerous person who will even skin his loved ones, and use their skin to drumbeat his empty achievements to feed his narcissism,” Recto added.