MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste has accused Executive Secretaty Ralph Recto of receiving P2 billion pesos from CWS (Construction Workers Solidarity) Partylist Rep. Edwin Gardiola to fund the campaign of her wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and her son, defeated Vice Gubernatorial bet Luis Manzano.
Gardiola is among the "cong-tractors" or congressmen-contractors who are accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects.
In his privilege speech at the House on Tuesday, he revealed that Recto abd Gardiola spent P1 billion for the campaign of Santos and Manzano, noting that in the first district, they spent P150 million, while in other districts, around P200 to P300 million was spent.
Leviste also said Gardiola also convinced him to endorse the Santos-Manzano tandem in the presence of Recto, which he did.
""After the meetings, I received reports that cash was distributed to campaign for Vilma and Lucky, which allegedly came from Congressman Gardiola. It appears that Congressman Gardiola was the one who funded the ViLucky campaign, based on what I saw in my district, as well as the meetings and materials featuring Vilma Santos-Recto, Lucky Manzano, and CWS Partylist." Leviste said.
He also said that during their meeting, Gardiola offered him to partner together with Recto in "doing business" with the Department of Public Works and Highways in his district using the system being done in the city of Lipa and other towns in Batangas.
"Identify the areas for 'road openings'; I was told to inform them if I see any so they can participate in purchasing the land; Secretary Recto can help fund the projects because he is in the Cabinet; and Cong. Gardiola also has strong influence within the DPWH, and he might also be the one to take care of the contractor." Leviste said.
Leviste said that he "feels sad" for Batangas and for the Philippines for what he described as "what top officials are doing with the people's money,"
"It would be best if they explain: Is it true that Gardiola spent a massive amount for their campaign? What was in exchange for it, and is Gardiola just a friend, or also a funder?" Leviste said.
Speaking after Leviste's speech, Batangas 6th District Rep. Ryan Recto defended his parents from the allegations.
"The plenary should not be used to spread rumors that have no basis." Recto said.
