Malacañang said it is now up to the Office of the Ombudsman to authenticate the so-called “Leviste Files” linked to alleged Department of Public Works and Highways projects.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste posted on Facebook a list of 75 supposed DPWH projects worth ₱8 billion, which identified “OP (ES/SAP)” as proponent.
Both Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo and former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin have denied any role in preparing the department’s budget.
“Nasa kamay na po ng Office of Ombusdan ang pag authenticate ng ‘Leviste Files’. Ang sabi nga po ni Assistant Ombudsman Clavano, ang mga dokumento na hawak ng ibang tao na maaaring ma-edit ay hindi maituturing na isang conclusive evidence,” Castro told Palace reporters on Thursday, January 1.
“Marami ng versions ang lumalabas at hindi sila magkakatugma… mayroon may written annotations, mayroon na may names ng Cabinet secretaries at ‘yung ibang version ay wala naman ganoong nilalaman,” she added.
Castro stressed that allegations without proof remain speculative, saying authorities should allow the Ombudsman to determine the authenticity of the documents.
“Hintayin natin ang Office of the Ombudsman ang magsalita patungkol dyan,” the Palace official said.