Philippine House Explodes: Leviste, Recto Trade Billion-Peso Corruption Accusations

Philippine House Explodes: Leviste, Recto Trade Billion-Peso Corruption Accusations

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto are at the center of an escalating feud involving alleged multi-billion-peso corruption and vote-buying.

The accusations, delivered during a privilege speech by Leviste, have been met with swift denials, a motion to strike from the record, and a scathing counter-allegation from Recto.

Leviste, in a dramatic address, accused Executive Secretary Recto of receiving at least P1 billion in “contractor money” and implicated fellow lawmakers in illicit campaign financing. He specifically named CWS party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola as the contractor allegedly bankrolling the 2025 election campaigns of Recto (then Batangas 6th District Representative) and his wife, actress-turned-politician Vilma Santos.

“Reports indicate cash was provided to campaign for Vilma and Lucky, reportedly from Congressman Gardiola,” Leviste stated. “From observations in my district, it appears Congressman Gardiola financed the ‘ViLucky’ campaign. If true, the question arises: why would Gardiola spend over P1 billion for the Rectos?”

Leviste further alleged that Gardiola propositioned him for a business partnership with Recto concerning Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects. This proposed scheme, Leviste claimed, involved identifying “road opening” areas, land acquisition, funding assistance from Recto due to his Cabinet position, and Gardiola handling contracting.

Recto’s son, Batangas Sixth District Rep. Ryan Recto, immediately countered Leviste’s claims, dismissing them as “baseless allegations” and “fake news.” He asserted, “This plenary should not be used for speculation or unsubstantiated accusations. I will not stand idly by and let these so-called facts be presented as truth.”

The veracity of Leviste’s claims came under immediate scrutiny from House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, who pressed him for documentary evidence regarding the alleged P1 billion expenditure and vote-buying. Leviste, in a remarkable shift, admitted he did not possess definitive proof of the exact amount spent.

“I don’t know what truly happened. I am only relaying what was told to me, and the figures I received are quite high. Perhaps only P300, P400, or P500 million was spent in the election. Don’t take it from me; let’s call a hearing, and all Batangueños can answer,” Leviste stated, effectively walking back his initial claims.

This admission prompted Garin to successfully move for the striking of unverified portions of Leviste’s privilege speech from the official record, despite Leviste’s objection.

In a powerful retort, Executive Secretary Recto issued a statement, not only denying Leviste’s allegations but also turning the tables with his own counter-accusations. Recto claimed he rejected Leviste’s offer of P400 million to bribe his political opponents into withdrawing from the 2025 elections.

“You can only fight a natural-born liar with truth,” Recto declared. “There’s a limit to patience against relentless, baseless slander. In our first meeting, he had P400 million ready and urged me to bribe his political opponent to withdraw. I refused.”

Recto further alleged that the following week, Leviste offered P1 billion for Governor Vilma Santos to withdraw, allowing Leviste to succeed her. “His mother was crying while he did this. Again, I refused. It was insulting. Enraging. Only my respect for his mother, as a former colleague, prevented me from exposing and charging him,” Recto stated.

Recto dismissed Gardiola as merely a colleague and former political rival, asserting he has no “ghost or anomalous projects.” He characterized Leviste as “prone to tantrums, even badmouthing the woman who gave birth to him in front of many people.”

“He is a deranged and dangerous person who will even skin his loved ones and use their skin to drumbeat his empty achievements to feed his narcissism. We should be wary of psychotic sideshows that divert us from real issues at hand,” Recto concluded, escalating the personal nature of the conflict.

Representative Gardiola has yet to issue a statement regarding Leviste’s allegations. The unfolding drama in the House promises further scrutiny into the integrity of political financing and the conduct of public officials in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.