Batangas DPWH Engineer Temporarily Released After Posting Bail
The DPWH engineer in Batangas, who was earlier arrested for an alleged bribery attempt, has been temporarily freed after posting bail.
On Thursday (August 28, 2025), a district engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways was temporarily freed after posting bail over alleged bribery case.
The engineer, identified as 52-year-old Abelardo Calalo, was accused of trying to offer money to Representative Leandro Leviste. The supposed payoff was linked to an effort to shield certain contractors from being included in an ongoing probe into questionable flood control projects.
The incident garnered various reactions from the online community, given the seriousness of the charges and the involvement of a government official.
Police authorities confirmed that Calalo posted a bail bond worth P60,000, leading to his release from the Taal Municipal Police Station around midday. His arrest came after formal complaints were filed before the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Calalo is facing several offenses, including direct bribery, corruption of public officials, violation of anti-graft laws, and breaches of ethical standards expected from public servants.
Despite his temporary release, Calalo still faces the weight of the accusations. Authorities have also moved to prevent him from continuing his duties. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has ordered his preventive suspension while investigations are ongoing, ensuring that the case proceeds without possible interference.
Meanwhile, Representative Leviste has extended an unusual option to Calalo. Instead of merely standing as the accused, he may be considered as a state witness if he chooses to help uncover larger issues of corruption within the DPWH.
It opens the possibility of exposing a larger network of questionable dealings tied to government projects.
In a previous report, a DPWH engineer arrested for alleged bribery of young congressman
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
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