The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is planning to closely review the contentious so-called “Cabral files” as part of its ongoing inquiry into the multibillion-peso flood control project scandal tied to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The move was confirmed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, who said the panel wants to examine the documents’ contents more thoroughly even though the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has already passed away.
The Cabral files refer to records and lists of budget allocations, project proponents, and alleged “insertions” that were reportedly connected to the preparation of the DPWH’s budget and linked to claims of anomalous project funding. Rep. Leandro Leviste previously disclosed that he obtained similar files — which he says contain lists of infrastructure projects, district allocables, and what he termed outside allocables — before Cabral’s death and shared some of the information publicly.
Although Cabral died in December 2025 under circumstances that authorities continue to investigate, the Senate inquiry plans to call for verifying and scrutinizing the files within proper legal and investigatory settings to determine their relevance, authenticity, and implications for accountability. Authorities including the Ombudsman and law enforcement agencies have already taken custody of Cabral’s devices and documents for forensic examination as part of overlapping probes.
- The Cabral files are considered potentially crucial to understanding whether irregular budget insertions or undue influence affected the DPWH flood control appropriations.
- Senate review could help establish a clearer picture of who requested specific projects and whether these actions complied with existing rules and procedures.
- Given the involvement of high-ranking officials in the controversy, vetting the documents might influence both public accountability and legislative oversight.