MANILA — Lawmakers from Batangas have filed a House resolution condemning what they described as “baseless, malicious, and irresponsible” allegations made by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.

The resolution, signed by several Batangas representatives including Rep. Ryan Recto, Amado Carlos Bolilia IV, King George Collantes, Beverly Rose Dimacuha, and Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Reyes-Luistro, described Leviste’s remarks as unverified and damaging to the integrity of the House of Representatives.

“The deliberate airing of unverified allegations in a privileged forum constitutes a grave misuse of legislative authority and undermines the integrity of the House of Representatives as an institution,” the resolution said.

It also stressed that the accusations were based on “anonymous and uncorroborated claims,” which it said do not meet standards of responsible public discourse.

“Members of Congress are accorded with parliamentary freedom of speech and debate by no less than the Constitution, but such is intended to enable a representative to discharge his public trust and uphold truth and accountability, not to serve as a shield for speculation, insinuation, or reckless statements aimed at unjustly destroying the reputation of public officials who have long served the nation and their constituents,” it added.

Leviste earlier accused the Rectos of allegedly receiving at least P1 billion in contractor money and linked certain lawmakers to vote buying in a privilege speech delivered on May 5, 2026. He also named CWS party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola as allegedly financing campaign activities tied to the Rectos’ political slate in Batangas.

The Batangas lawmakers, however, strongly rejected the claims and said both Recto and Santos-Recto have long demonstrated “exemplary leadership, unquestioned integrity, and steadfast dedication to public service.”

The resolution also noted what it called an “alarming pattern of uncorroborated statements, baseless accusations, and hearsay” from Leviste that it said undermines public trust.

It concluded by formally condemning the allegations and directing that copies of the resolution be furnished to the Executive Secretary and the governor as an expression of support.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives condemns the baseless, malicious, and irresponsible allegations against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Governor Vilma Santos-Recto made by Rep. Leandro L. Leviste in his privilege speech before the House of Representatives on May 5, 2026,” the resolution stated.

Leviste’s privilege speech, which initially focused on alleged corruption and vote buying, was later struck out by the House after lawmakers questioned its basis and timing.