Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday, December 24, refuted reports alleging he and other senators requested projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“I categorically deny claims that I was among those who requested the DPWH to insert projects in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) at any point during my term as senator,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“At no time did I make such a request. In fact, I have never met nor spoken with former Undersecretary Cathy Cabral since I assumed office,” Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, added.
The remarks come after reports disclosed that all senators of the 19th Congress were included in a controversial list of alleged project requests, referred to as the “DPWH leaks,” amid concerns over irregularities involving flood control projects.
Gatchalian explained that senators have no control over requests from local government units (LGUs) once referred to the Executive department or government agencies.
“Kapag lumalapit ang mga LGU sa amin para humingi ng tulong kaugnay ng anumang social service o infrastructure project, ang aming papel ay limitado lamang sa pag-uugnay sa kanila o pagre-refer sa tamang ahensya, at hindi namin kontrolado kung ano ang kanilang gagawing hakbang,” he said.
“The claims being circulated lack credibility and remain unsubstantiated,” the lawmaker stressed.