By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed as “fake news” allegations linking P7.5 billion in government funds to the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), saying the claims were based on unverified documents and unsupported insinuations.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the allegations based on the so-called “Cabral files” allegedly obtained by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste are not validated.
“Mas mahirap tugunan ang mga dokumentong hindi nakikita, mahirap tugunan ang mga dokumentong puro insinuations, mahirap tugunan ang mga dokumentong wala pang anumang basehan at wala pang ebidensya ng anumang anomalya,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
Castro said the OES has already denied the allegation.
“At nakausap din naman natin ang Office of the Executive Secretary. Mula sa Office of the Executive Secretary, ang pinatutungkulan pong ito ay tinaguriang fake news,” she said.
Leviste earlier called for an immediate and thorough investigation into P7.5 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure projects for 2025, which was allegedly tagged as “OP (ES/SAP)” as the supposed proponent.
His call came amid an ongoing probe into alleged flood control anomalies.
Meanwhile, Castro clarified that issues surrounding flood control projects should not be linked to any possible impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Hindi naman po konektado ang flood control mess sa impeachment complaint kung isasampa man ito kay Bise Presidente,” she said.
“Iba po ang isyu ng kinapapalooban or kinakasangkutan ng Bise Presidente at iba naman po iyong flood control projects,” Castro added.
She said Malacañang will not interfere in congressional deliberations, emphasizing that government agencies remain focused on implementing programs and projects, including infrastructure and flood control initiatives, intended to benefit the public.
“At alam po naman natin na hanggang sa ngayon, ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon ay patuloy na nagtatrabaho upang mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” she said.
She stressed that impeachment complaints are entirely within the prerogative of lawmakers, who must decide based on evidence, conscience, and the rule of law.
“Alam po nating lahat na ang mga mambabatas ay binoto dahil sila po ay may puso, may talino at may konsensya. Alam nila ang tama at mali,” Castro said.
“Hindi siya dapat depende ang anumang desisyon patungkol sa impeachment complaint, hindi siya depende sa outcome ng pag-iimbestiga sa flood control projects,” she added.
