Blocked Speech, Buried Files: Congressman Leviste Alleges Systemic Corruption in DPWH, Investigation Stalled

Blocked Speech, Buried Files: Congressman Leviste Alleges Systemic Corruption in DPWH, Investigation Stalled

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com – January 5, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A storm of controversy is brewing within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ignited by allegations of systemic corruption and the existence of a document known as the “Cabral Files.” Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste has publicly confirmed the existence of these files, claiming they detail approximately ₱8 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the proposed 2025 DPWH National Expenditure Program (NEP) linked to a shadowy proponent identified only as “OP (ES/SAP).”

Leviste’s confirmation bolsters earlier reports that first brought the “Cabral Files” to public attention. The allegations gained further weight when Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson asserted that the files, purportedly compiled by the late DPWH Undersecretary Cabral, implicate “at least five cabinet secretaries and several undersecretaries” in the allocation of both allocable and non-allocable projects.

The unfolding scandal reached a critical juncture on December 29, 2025, when Leviste attempted to deliver a privilege speech on the “Cabral Files” and the House’s confidential ₱18.58 billion Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) fund. His efforts, however, were abruptly curtailed. In a move that has sparked outrage and accusations of a cover-up, the House of Representatives reconvened briefly at 2:00 PM, only to adjourn a mere 40 seconds later, effectively sealing the 2026 General Appropriations Act without allowing any member to address the body.

“I didn’t want to clash with my colleagues,” Leviste explained, citing his intention to address the recent reports and confirm the ₱8 billion attributed to “OP (ES/SAP).” He emphasized that he was not drawing conclusions about the designation’s meaning but sought to provide crucial information to facilitate a potential House investigation and inform legislative reforms to the DPWH budget process.

In the wake of the contentious adjournment, Leviste, alongside House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Egay Erice, held a press conference. Erice announced the filing of a resolution demanding a congressional investigation into the contents of the “Cabral Files,” urging the Senate to launch a parallel inquiry. Leviste expressed his appreciation for Erice’s support and suggested that Senator Lacson, given his experience and reputation, was uniquely positioned to spearhead such an investigation.

Leviste further underscored the gravity of the situation by highlighting a specific project within the ₱8 billion allegedly linked to “OP (ES/SAP):” a ₱300 million allocation for his own district in Batangas. This project involved the installation of 1,202 streetlights along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway. DPWH records indicate that the project was awarded to New Rich General Contractor Services & Trading Co., Inc. for ₱280,816,956, translating to a staggering ₱233,624 per streetlight, on April 10, 2025. Leviste had previously flagged this project in an October 5 Facebook post, identifying it as one of the most overpriced in his district.

The congressman believes that a thorough investigation, whether initiated by Erice in the House or Lacson in the Senate, is paramount to determining the veracity of the “Cabral Files” and the justification, if any, for attributing the ₱8 billion in projects to “OP (ES/SAP).” The blocked privilege speech and the hasty adjournment of the House session have fueled concerns about transparency and accountability within the legislative body, intensifying calls for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the alleged corruption.

The central question remains: Who or what does “OP (ES/SAP)” represent, and what role did they play in the allocation of billions of pesos in public funds? The answer, it appears, lies buried within the “Cabral Files,” awaiting a full and transparent airing that the public, and the integrity of the DPWH, desperately needs. The fight for accountability has only just begun.