Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected claims that he had ₱83.3 billion in “allocable” funds in the 2025 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, as cited in the ‘Cabral files’, calling the allegation outrageous.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 28, Bersamin denied the claims, emphasizing that he did not request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH projects.
“I emphatically state that I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process. I also deny having instructed anyone, whether inside or outside of the government, to use my name or that of my former office for any such purpose,” he said.
This statement follows Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, revealing that documents from the Cabral files, along with information from the agency, suggest that at least five Cabinet members had access to allocable or non-allocable funds amounting to billions in the 2025 budget.
Lacson indicated that among these Cabinet members was one identified as “ES,” who reportedly held ₱8.3 billion in allocable funds.
He also noted that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan had access to at least ₱30.5 billion in allocable funds for 2025.
Bersamin further called on investigative bodies to prioritize this issue, stating that it undermines the integrity of the national budget.
“This incident only serves to raise more questions about the deeply flawed budget process followed at the DPWH. I strongly urge that the so-called Cabral Files should be thoroughly scrutinized to unmask those behind the budget manipulation,” he added.
The former executive secretary also expressed his willingness to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation regarding this matter.
Earlier, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that authorities should continue investigating any implicated Cabinet members.
She also mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated that individuals with sufficient evidence can submit their findings to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) or directly file a case with the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice (DOJ).
