A lawmaker said he is in possession of documents detailing alleged insertions in public works projects across the country but prefers that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) take the lead in releasing them to the public.
In a statement, Rep. Leviste said the files were turned over to him on September 4 by then-DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral after she received instructions by phone from Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who had just assumed office days earlier. Leviste said the handover was done in the interest of transparency.
The documents reportedly contain a nationwide list of proponents linked to flood control and other DPWH projects. According to Leviste, these proponents are not limited to members of Congress but also include officials from the executive branch — including secretaries and undersecretaries from agencies outside DPWH — as well as private individuals.
Since Cabral’s death, Leviste said there have been increasing calls for the files to be made public. However, he stressed that he would wait for DPWH’s official position and would only release the full set if directed by Secretary Dizon. He added that he has already disclosed portions of the information within the limits allowed by congressional rules during a session on November 19.
Leviste said he has shown the documents to investigators from the ICI on November 18 and 19, as well as to the Office of the Ombudsman on November 26. According to him, the Ombudsman indicated that the files could be useful in ongoing investigations.
He explained that his request for the data dates back several months, beginning in May, when he sought detailed budget information for each congressional district. After meeting with Cabral in June and following up formally with DPWH in August, Leviste said he became concerned that key records could be lost after Cabral submitted her courtesy resignation. This prompted a final meeting at her office in early September, during which the files were released.
Leviste credited Dizon’s early push for transparency as a key factor in finally obtaining the documents.
The lawmaker warned that the public release of the files could have far-reaching implications, given the breadth of officials and individuals named. To avoid undermining his legislative work, he reiterated his view that DPWH should determine how and when the information is disclosed.
For now, Leviste said his immediate concern is ensuring the safety of DPWH personnel who may still have copies of the documents and safeguarding all existing records to prevent their loss or destruction.
