Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon denied authenticating the so-called Cabral files circulating online and refuted claims that he authorized their release, saying he has not even seen the documents now being linked to former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

Dizon said he never validated any document allegedly in the possession of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste.

“For the record, wala akong ina-authenticate na dokumento dahil hindi ko pa nakikita kung anong sinasabi niyang dokumento (For the record, I did not authenticate any document because I have not even seen what document he is referring to”),” Dizon said.

The dispute escalated after Leviste challenged Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro to verify the authenticity of the files with Dizon.

Leviste maintained that the documents he uploaded originated from the DPWH and from Cabral herself, warning that questions surrounding the files would eventually be disproven.

The lawmaker said he obtained the files as early as September, before Cabral’s death following a fatal fall into a ravine in Benguet on Dec. 19.

He also claimed that the documents were released after Cabral spoke with Dizon and that the DPWH chief allegedly agreed to make them public in the interest of transparency.

Dizon, however, countered that Leviste forcibly obtained copies of the files from Cabral’s office by using a staff member’s computer and saving them onto a flash drive, an incident he said Cabral personally narrated to him shortly after it occurred.

Asked whether the lawmaker appeared to be throwing his weight around, Dizon said this was the impression he formed based on how the files were taken.

Leviste denied the allegation, maintaining that he did not forcibly copy the documents.

He also asserted that Dizon was aware of the files, saying he found it difficult to believe the DPWH chief would deny their discussions about releasing the documents shortly after assuming office.

The lawmaker said he has not shared the files with anyone, but suggested that their appearance on a news website indicated they may have been released with the knowledge of Dizon or members of his staff.

Amid the conflicting accounts, the DPWH confirmed that it has turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman the computer used by Cabral, along with all files kept in her office, in compliance with a subpoena.

Dizon said it is now up to the Ombudsman to analyze, authenticate, and examine the documents, noting that all materials related to Cabral were submitted in full as required by the investigation.