The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee confirmed that the controversial “Cabral Files”—documents detailing alleged budget allocables—originated from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), though full authentication is still underway.

During the hearing chaired by Ping Lacson, DPWH officials acknowledged that at least one set of files presented by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste matched internal DPWH records. DPWH Undersecretary Bernabe said a second set of files could already be validated, while the first set likely came from the computer of the late DPWH Undersecretary Cabral.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan testified that the documents shown to him looked familiar, describing them as consolidated records of district allocables and total allocations drawn from the General Appropriations Act. Lacson later confirmed that portions of the files were consistent with records already in his possession.

Calls intensified for full authentication. Senator Bam Aquino urged the Office of the Ombudsman to authenticate the entire Cabral Files to determine who benefited from allegedly anomalous projects. Prosecutor General Fadullon said forensic examination of Cabral’s computer is ongoing and could trigger further investigations.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta pressed DPWH on delays, pointing out that rules on electronic evidence already exist. DPWH officials replied that the Ombudsman—working with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group—was best positioned to handle the forensic process.

Leviste, appearing as a resource person, welcomed the scrutiny and called for public disclosure once authentication is complete. He thanked the Blue Ribbon Committee for its work and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency in the use of public funds.

Quiet takeaway: When documents match from multiple sources, verification becomes the bridge from allegation to accountability.