Recto denies ghost projects, hits back at Leviste allegations

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday denied any involvement in so-called “ghost” public works projects, pushing back against the accusations made by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste in his privilege speech at the House of Representatives plenary.

In a strongly worded statement, Recto said claims tying him to anomalous infrastructure and flood control projects were “baseless,” stressing that his record as a longtime public official in Batangas is properly documented.

“I have no ghost projects. I have no flood control projects. And every project I backed as a legislator has receipts and has been felt by constituents,” he said.

Recto pointed to road concreting efforts and the construction of thousands of classrooms across Batangas, which he said were implemented with the support of district representatives and delivered tangible benefits to local communities.

“This is the result of quiet work, not like a newcomer who only complains and has not even concreted a single meter of national highway,” he retorted.

READ: Leviste gets schooled by lawmakers for spewing ‘hearsay’

Recto served as a senator from 2001 to 2007, and from 2010 to 2022.

He was also a Batangas district representative from 1992 to 2001, and from 2022 to 2024, until he was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as finance secretary, then executive secretary.

Recto also clarified his relationship with CWS Rep. Edwin Gardiola, who is accused to be among the “congtractors,” referring to members of Congress or their partners or family members who own construction firms that receive project awards or obtain contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to Recto, Leviste is “deliberately trying to cast malice” on his connection with Gardiola.

“The truth is, the Gardiolas have long been my political opponents. We have faced each other in many elections,” he said.

“I only worked with him in 2022 out of respect for a fellow Batangueño congressman,” he added, without identifying the fellow lawmaker.

READ: Recto: Leviste offered P1B to make Vilma Santos quit Batangas gov race

Recto called Leviste a “bitter brat — prone to tantrums, even publicly speaking ill of the woman who gave birth to him.”

“He is a deranged and dangerous person who would even turn on his own loved ones and use them to promote his empty achievements to feed his narcissism,” the executive secretary said of the neophyte lawmaker.

“In my 30 years in public service, I have only now encountered someone like this — more greedy, more cunning, manipulative, and willing to set aside truth for personal gain,” Recto added.

Recto warned Leviste: “If he does not stop lying about me, I may be tempted to start revealing the truth about him.”

Leviste challenged Recto to face a congressional inquiry to determine who is telling the truth. /das