Batangas: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday accused Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste of attempting to offer massive payoffs to influence political outcomes, as their escalating dispute took a more serious turn.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a strongly worded statement, Recto alleged that Leviste had offered PHP400 million during an initial meeting to help persuade a political rival to withdraw from the election race, followed by a separate offer of up to PHP1 billion for Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to step aside from the polls. "Sa unang pagtatagpo pa lang namin, may handa siyang PHP400 milyon. Tinanggihan ko ito (Even during our first meeting he had PHP400 million... I rejected it)," Recto said.

He added that a subsequent offer involving a larger amount was also rejected, describing both as 'insulting' and unacceptable. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing public feud between the two Batangas politicians. Recto issued the statement in response to accusations raised by Leviste in recent days, including claims related to fund distribution and political dealings in the province.

Beyond the bribery claims, Recto also accused Leviste of engaging in disinformation campaigns and pursuing personal interests, including alleged land acquisition efforts in Nasugbu. The conflict traces back to earlier policy disagreements, particularly over the administration's stance against reducing value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, a position previously defended by Recto due to concerns over revenue losses.

Recto also floated Leviste's supposed ghost solar projects. Leviste, founder of Solar Philippines, faces allegations of ghost solar projects, centering on 163 cancelled projects and potential PHP24-billion in penalties for failed, non-operational or abandoned solar initiatives. Critics and lawmakers allege his firms secured contracts and a franchise for remote areas but failed to deliver results, leading to congressional inquiries and investigations.

"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," Recto said.