Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Sunday rejected claims linking him to more than P8 billion in alleged “allocable” funds under the Department of Public Works and Highways budget for 2025.
Bersamin said he was outraged by suggestions that the initials “ES” appearing in the so-called Cabral files referred to him during his time as executive secretary.
The documents, which surfaced after being disclosed by Batangas 1st DistrictRep. Leandro Leviste, have been cited as evidence of alleged budget insertions involving senior government officials.
Bersamin stressed that he never requested, approved, or authorized any DPWH project or allocation at any point in the national budget process.
He also denied instructing any person inside or outside government to use his name or former office in connection with infrastructure funding.
Calling the allegations damaging, Bersamin urged investigative bodies to prioritize a full review of the documents to clarify who was responsible for any manipulation.
He said he is prepared to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial inquiry into the matter.
Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro, in a separate statement, said investigations should proceed against anyone implicated, including Cabinet officials, if supported by evidence.
Castro said accountability should be determined by institutions such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ) , or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The controversy follows remarks by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson questioning why alleged “allocables,” typically associated with lawmakers, would be linked to Cabinet members.
