Photo courtesy of Ping Lacson/Facebook.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said Monday the blue ribbon committee will carefully examine the so-called “Cabral files,” documents linked to the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, as the investigation into flood control projects resumes.
Lacson said officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be asked to verify the authenticity of the documents, including copies in the possession of senators and other individuals.
“Any document the DPWH does not authenticate, including those in my possession, will not be made part of the blue ribbon committee’s records” Lacson emphasized, adding that fairness is a priority in handling the materials.
The senator criticized the “allocables” in the Cabral files, saying those tied to commissions or kickbacks are comparable to attempted or planned robbery. He warned that using a project wish list to secure personal gains is unacceptable while the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is still being drafted.
Lacson also addressed the possible absence of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan at the Jan. 19 hearing, saying it will not halt the inquiry but may weaken his defense, particularly regarding allegedly incorrect grid coordinates submitted to Malacañang that led to hundreds of ghost projects.
The committee is also set to hear from former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and other resource persons on related issues, including a disputed property purchase allegedly connected to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez through contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II.
Meanwhile, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed Discaya’s denial of involvement in the property transaction, urging the public to rely on verified evidence and avoid spreading unproven claims in connection with the flood control scandal.
