Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has called for an urgent investigation into about ₱8 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects allegedly tagged to “OP (ES/SAP)” in the 2025 budget.
In a Facebook post, Leviste questioned the source of funding for the projects, including a ₱300-million streetlight project along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway, which he said appeared severely overpriced.
Leviste said he had seen files attributed to the late DPWH undersecretary Cabral listing 75 projects totaling ₱8 billion under the tag “OP (ES/SAP),” noting the acronyms could refer to the Office of the President (OP), Executive Secretary (ES), and Special Assistant to the President (SAP).
“I respectfully call on all investigative bodies to place this matter at the top of their agenda. This matter strikes directly at the integrity of the national budget itself and must be fully investigated without delay,” former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said, denying any involvement and offering full cooperation.
Leviste added that about 60% of the funds were allocated to flood control and slope protection projects, with the remaining 40% covering roads and streetlights, many of which he said were not priority projects.
Malacañang said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. supports ongoing investigations, stressing that any Cabinet member found involved must be held accountable. The Palace noted the matter is now with the Office of the Ombudsman and Department of Justice.
Leviste urged the DPWH to release the full documents to the public for transparency and independent scrutiny.