Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin broke his silence — and he did so with clear frustration.
On Sunday, Bersamin strongly denied allegations linking him to the so-called “Cabral files,” documents allegedly left behind by the late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.
According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend,” Bersamin said he was stunned by claims that a mysterious “ES” mentioned in the files referred to him — and that it supposedly involved ₱8.3 billion worth of DPWH projects under the proposed 2025 national budget.
“I am aghast and outraged,” Bersamin said.
He stressed that the label “ES” was being unfairly connected to his former position as Executive Secretary.
With firm words, he made his stand clear.
“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,” he said.
Bersamin went further.
He denied instructing anyone — inside or outside government — to use his name or the name of his former office for any purpose related to budget insertions.
The controversy surfaced after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed on Saturday that the alleged Cabral files pointed to at least five Cabinet members who supposedly had allocable and non-allocable funds under the 2025 budget.
One entry stood out.
An official identified only as “ES,” allegedly linked to ₱8.3 billion in insertions.
Lacson, however, did not name who “ES” was.
“Nagulat din ako,” Lacson said.
“Isang nakalagay doon, ‘ES, ₱8 billion.’ Paano magkaroon ng allocable ang ‘ES’?”
Bersamin said the claims should not end in speculation.
Instead, he called for a full and serious investigation.
“The so-called Cabral files should be thoroughly scrutinized to unmask those behind the budget manipulation,” he said.
He urged investigative bodies to act quickly, stressing that the issue cuts deep.
“This matter strikes directly at the integrity of the national budget itself,” Bersamin said.
“And it must be fully investigated without delay.”
Despite the controversy, Bersamin said he has nothing to hide.
He assured the public that he is ready and willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation.
Malacañang echoed the call for accountability.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the probe must continue — even if Cabinet officials are involved.
“Kung sino man ang masangkot at may ebidensya, ipagpatuloy lang po ang imbestigasyon,” Castro said.
“The President’s order is clear — no one is above the law.”
She added that cases backed by sufficient evidence may be filed before the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.
As questions swirl and names remain unnamed, one thing is certain — the controversy surrounding the Cabral files is far from over.
And the demand for truth is only getting louder.
