The office of Senator Bong Go issued a statement addressing the so-called “Cabral files,” saying it only recently became aware of the documents being circulated.
The statement said the senator has not been provided copies of the complete records and has not been given enough opportunity to verify their authenticity, context, and accuracy.
“To date, we have not been furnished copies of the complete documents being cited, nor have we been given sufficient opportunity to verify their authenticity, context, and accuracy,” the statement said.
The senator’s office also clarified that the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is the proposed budget of the President and is prepared solely by the Executive branch.
As a member of the minority bloc and the opposition over the past two years, the statement said Go had no authority, participation, or control over the inclusion of projects in the NEP, describing it as “purely an executive function.”
The office said the senator remains open to any fair, objective, and evidence-based review of the issue and is willing to cooperate with the proper authorities once complete and verified information is made available.
“We respectfully call for due process and responsible reporting, particularly on issues that may mislead the public if taken out of proper context,” it added.
The so-called “Cabral files” allegedly list all senators and congressmen as having project “insertions” in the 2025 budget for projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.