Bersamin denies link to ‘ES’ entries in Cabral files

FORMER EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Sunday said he was “aghast and outraged” as he denied claims suggesting entries marked “ES” found in the Cabral files referred to him.

In a statement, Mr. Bersamin also refuted reports that P8.3 billion worth of Public Works projects had been allocated to him, saying he did not request, endorse, approve, or authorize any project or budget allocation at any point in the budget process.

“I also deny having instructed anyone, whether inside or outside of the government, to use my name or that of my former office for any such purpose,” he said.

His statement followed Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson’s radio interview on Saturday, which alleged that at least five Marcos Cabinet members had billions of pesos in allocable funds in the 2025 budget.

Mr. Lacson added that he was surprised to see an entry labeled “ES,” commonly referring to the Executive Secretary, then Mr. Bersamin. The names appeared in documents obtained from a lawyer for the late Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral, who died on Dec. 18 in Benguet.

According to Mr. Bersamin, the controversy raises serious questions about the integrity of the budget process within the Department of Public Works and Highways. He urged authorities to thoroughly scrutinize the so-called “Cabral Files” to identify those responsible for alleged budget manipulation.

“This matter strikes directly at the integrity of the national budget itself and must be fully investigated without delay,” he said, calling on all investigative bodies to place the issue at the top of their agenda.

Mr. Bersamin said he is willing to cooperate fully with any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation into the matter.

Malacañang earlier said Mr. Bersamin stepped down from the Cabinet in November out of delicadeza amid controversies involving flood control projects.

Presidential Spokesperson Claire A. Castro said that the investigation should continue to identify those responsible if any Cabinet members are involved and there is sufficient evidence.

“Whoever among the Cabinet members is involved and there is evidence, the investigation should continue to identify the real culprits,” Ms. Castro said.

She said that, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., anyone found truly implicated must be held accountable, and that it is now in the hands of investigating bodies such as the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

“Anyone with sufficient evidence can submit it to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or directly file a case with the Ombudsman or the DoJ (Department of Justice),” she added. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking