Bersamin denies link to P8.3B DPWH projects in Cabral Files

MANILA, Philippines — Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected on Sunday, December 28, allegations that he is the “ES” tagged in the so-called Cabral Files, saying he had no role at any stage in the approval of public works projects.

In a statement, Bersamin said he was “aghast and outraged” by claims that the initials referred to him and that P8.3 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects were supposedly allocated to his office under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. 

“I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process,” Bersamin said. 

He also denied instructing anyone inside or outside government to use his name or his former position for any budget-related purpose. 

As executive secretary, Bersamin held one of the most powerful posts in the Marcos administration, overseeing the execution of Marcos' orders and coordinating among different Cabinet secretaries. 

His exit last month came as the administration tried to contain fallout from allegations it was Bersamin all along who pushed for a whopping P100 billion in bicameral insertions in the 2025 national budget — a claim the former chief justice has denied. Shortly after, Bersamin shared that he did not resign willingly and was told to step down.

Cabral files claims disputed

On Sunday, Bersamin stressed that the newly surfaced allegations in the Cabral files were unfounded.

“This incident only serves to raise more questions about the deeply flawed budget process followed at the DPWH,” he said, urging that the so-called Cabral documents to be thoroughly scrutinized to identify those responsible for any manipulation.

Bersamin added that he was eager and willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial inquiry into the issue.

Yesterday, Sen. Ping Lacson claimed at least five Cabinet secretaries and several undersecretaries had “allocables” and “non-allocables” amounting to billions of pesos in the 2025 national budget based on documents linked to former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

Lacson said the documents showed a certain “ES” with P8.3 billion in allocables, among others.

Questions over document source. Malacañang, however, has questioned both the source and authenticity of the files. 

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said there were reports indicating the documents were obtained from a staff member, not from former DPWH undersecretary Cabral, after whom the files were named. 

A copy of the supposed contents of the documents was released on social media by Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) on Christmas Eve. The files reportedly include summaries of DPWH allocations by district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026, totaling around P3.5 trillion.