Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin expressed outrage over allegations linking him to documents allegedly left behind by the late Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, particularly claims that the tag “ES” referred to him.
“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 ₱8.3 billion worth of DPWH projects under the GAA 2025,” Bersamin said in a statement.
He categorically denied any involvement in budget insertions.
“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 added.
Bersamin issued the statement after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the alleged “Cabral files” tagged at least five Cabinet members with supposed allocable and non-allocable funds under the 2025 budget, including an official identified only as “ES” with ₱8.3 billion.
Lacson, however, did not name the individual.
“At least five. Tapos may undersecretaries. Nagulat din ako, isang nakalagay doon, ‘ES, P8 billion.’ Paano magkaroon ng allocable ang ‘ES’?,” the senator said.
Calling for accountability, Bersamin said the documents must be examined closely.
“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, adding that he is “eager and willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation of this matter.”
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said investigations should proceed regardless of who is involved.
“Sino man ang masangkot sa mga Cabinet members at mayroong mga ebidensya, ipagpatuloy lang po ang pagi-imbestiga para matunton ang totoong may sala. Sabi ng Pangulo, kahit sino pa ‘yan, kailangan managot kung sila man ay totoong sangkot,” she said.
“Sinuman na may sapat na ebidensya ay maari itong isumit ng sa ICI o dumiretso ng pagsasampa ng kaso sa Ombudsman o sa DOJ,” Castro added.