Lacson: Leviste wanted a meeting ‘to seek advice’ on Cabral files

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Sunday that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste wanted to meet with him “to seek advice” regarding the alleged files of the late Department of Public Works and Highways Usec. Catalina Cabral which were shared with the lawmaker. 

“True. Cong. Leviste was requesting for a meeting ‘to seek advice on how to go about the Cabral files, etc’, but at that time, I was very busy with BRC matters - Bernardo, Cabral, etc, not to mention the budget etc, so hindi kami natuloy. He reiterated and I told him we will schedule after New Year,” said Lacson in a statement. 

(True. Cong Leviste was requesting a meeting ‘to seek advice on how to go about the Cabral files, etc,’ but at that time, I was very busy with BRC [Blue Ribbon Committee] matters—Bernardo, Cabral, etc., not to mention the budget etc., so it [the meeting] didn't push through.) 

Leviste earlier shared documents on social media that were supposedly provided to him by Cabral. Among them detailed the summary of allocations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) per district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026.

But Malacañang cast doubt on the alleged leaked DPWH documents, saying they have no "probative value," even as the Leviste maintained that the documents are "authentic."

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said that he has not authenticated any of the documents in possession of the Batangas lawmaker. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News