Atty. Levi Baligod Calls for budget transparency, advocates for good governance
Prominent anti-corruption lawyer Levito Baligod has called for a more transparent budget process to curb corruption in government. Speaking in the vernacular, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and efficiently.
“These kinds of wrongdoings have no place in the House of Representatives,” Baligod firmly stated, referring to corruption controversies.
Baligod is widely known for his role as the lawyer of Benhur Luy, the principal whistleblower in the ₱10-billion Pork Barrel Fund Scam involving Janet Lim-Napoles. He has long been an advocate for good governance and transparency in public service.
Passion for Public Service
During a recent media event, Baligod shared a lighter side of himself, admitting that he was once a big fan of former onscreen and real-life couple Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. When asked who he would want to portray him in a movie, he laughed and said, “Richard, because he’s as dark-skinned as I am—but he’s more handsome.”
His mention of Gomez was not random. The actor-turned-politician hails from Leyte, like Baligod, although they represent different districts. Baligod noted that Ormoc City, under the leadership of Richard and Lucy Torres-Gomez, was well-governed. Inspired by this, he expressed his desire to improve conditions in the 5th District of Leyte, which he said struggles with issues like illegal drugs and economic hardship.
This commitment led Baligod to file his candidacy for Congress in the May 2025 elections, where he will challenge incumbent Representative Carl Nicholas Cari. Known for his strong anti-corruption stance, Baligod aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Advocating for Farmers
Unlike politicians who focus on celebrity endorsements, Baligod takes pride in handling cases that support marginalized groups. “I don’t take celebrity cases, aside from those related to the PDAF scam,” he said. “I once helped nearly a thousand farmers who were sold defective corn seeds. They waited three months for their crops to grow, only to find empty husks. I helped them recover damages from the foreign company that sold them the faulty seeds.”
Asked why he was running for Congress instead of the Senate, Baligod was candid. “In Philippine politics, people look for candidates who are famous or have the resources to put up billboards and streamers nationwide. I don’t have that kind of money. I just want to provide real service, so I’m starting in my own province. The problems our country faces also exist in my district.”
One major issue in the 5th District of Leyte, according to Baligod, is poverty. “Many people there can’t afford medical treatment or even basic medicine,” he lamented.
Rethinking Government Aid
Baligod also criticized the way government aid, or “ayuda,” is distributed. “Handouts are the worst form of government assistance because they make people dependent,” he argued. “As the Bible says, ‘Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’”
If elected, Baligod plans to reallocate aid funds toward sustainable programs. “Instead of direct cash assistance, why not use the funds to establish food security programs? Each barangay could have its own food center, where officials buy directly from local farmers. That way, we support both consumers and producers,” he proposed.
Advice for Celebrities Entering Politics
As an advocate for ethical leadership, Baligod had some words of wisdom for celebrities entering politics. “There’s nothing wrong with actors running for office, as long as they understand that public service is a serious responsibility,” he said.
He warned that corrupt politicians who are intellectually capable are the most dangerous. “A dumb thief might get caught easily, but a smart one knows how to cover his tracks,” he pointed out.
Baligod cited TV host Willie Revillame as an example of a celebrity who could easily make it to the Senate’s “Magic 12” because of his popularity. However, Baligod himself refuses to rely on star power in his campaign. “I have no plans to hire celebrity endorsers—I simply don’t have the resources. I will run based on my credentials,” he said.
With a strong platform centered on good governance, transparency, and sustainable programs, Atty. Levito Baligod is determined to bring meaningful change, starting with his own province.
