Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin publicly asked investigative bodies to prioritize a review of the so-called “Cabral files,” saying the controversy cuts into the credibility of the national budget and warrants immediate scrutiny.
In a statement released Sunday, Bersamin rejected claims tying him to an “ES” label found in documents allegedly connected to public works funding. He stressed that he played no role at any stage of identifying, endorsing, or approving projects or budget items linked to the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
“I am aghast and outraged at the insinuation that the tag ‘ES’ found in the so-called Cabral Files pertained to me as the then Executive Secretary to whom was allocated P8.3 billion worth of DPWH projects under the GAA 2025,” he said on Sunday.
Bersamin said the allegations wrongly suggest his involvement in project allocations within the Department of Public Works and Highways, a claim he categorically denied. According to him, he neither sought nor authorized any such funding assignments during the budget process.
He further argued that the controversy highlights systemic issues that deserve closer examination rather than personal attribution.
“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.
Bersamin also said he is ready to cooperate fully with any formal inquiry and appealed for a swift and comprehensive investigation.
“I respectfully call on all investigative bodies to place this matter at the top of their agenda. This matter strikes directly at the integrity of the national budget itself and must be fully investigated without delay,” he said.
