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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leviste denies illegal acquisition of 'Cabral files'; has message for DPWH

Leviste denies illegal acquisition of 'Cabral files'; has message for DPWH

Published Dec 30, 2025 06:36 pm

At A Glance

  • Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has given a categorical denial to reports that he obtained the so-called "Cabral files" through illegal or underhanded means.
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has given a categorical denial to reports that he obtained the so-called "Cabral files" through illegal or underhanded means.
Leviste did so in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 30, nearly a day after a television news report showed closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of him going to the office of then-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral last September.
"I vehemently deny any allegation that I illegally obtained files from DPWH and also thank them for confirming the authenticity of the files that were given to me on September 4 with the approval of Sec Vince," Leviste said.
"The timing of the DPWH saying this now about an event months ago is suspect, and only raises questions on why DPWH doesn’t just release all the files if there’s nothing to hide," the neophyte congressman added.
In the TV news report, a staff member of Cabral's accused Leviste of illegally obtaining and copying budget documents from the agency. Based on the statements of the staff member that was aired, Leviste essentially forced his way into getting what he wanted.
As for Leviste’s repeated claims that Dizon gave him permission to acquire the files, the latter has already rejected.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said earlier Tuesday that Leviste’s illegal acquisition of the Cabral files could be grounds for an ethics case against the latter in the House of Representatives.
Undaunted by these developments, Leviste said: "I respectfully urge the DPWH and Congress to focus on supporting the admin’s campaign to investigate alleged corruption in DPWH, including by the likes of Cong. Gardiola, whose family as I just posted also got a flood control sub-contract from Sec Vince’s COA-flagged ₱11.5B NCC project."
"I understand that many politicians and contractors under investigation may be upset that I am sharing evidence that can aid in investigations; and I ask that the investigators disclose their connections with people under investigation, given my published partial findings on their links to contractors," he added.
Cabral died last Dec. 18 after she fell into a 30-meter ravine in Benguet. Authorities are looking into whether or not there was foul play in the incident.
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