MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it has placed under preventive suspension a district engineer in Batangas who is facing a bribery complaint to be filed by Rep. Leandro Leviste.

In a statement, the DPWH said the allegations against District Engineer Abelardo Calalo involving an alleged ₱360-million bribery scheme are “deeply concerning” and are being taken seriously.

“The recent allegations involving a district engineer assigned in Batangas are deeply concerning and are being taken very seriously. As public servants, we at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) do not condone any form of misconduct,” the agency said.

“We fully support the ongoing investigation by the proper authorities and stand firm in our commitment to transparency and integrity in public service. The individual involved will be relieved of his assignment, and preventive suspension will be implemented,” it added.

The agency stressed that those proven to have committed misconduct must “face the full consequences of their actions in accordance with the law.”

Leviste earlier confirmed that he will file a complaint against Calalo on Tuesday for alleged bribery involving public works projects in Batangas.