MANILA – Malacañang maintained its stance that the alleged leaked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) documents—cited in claims of Cabinet-level involvement in the P20-billion flood control scandal—are “hearsay without probative value”, rejecting insinuations of a cover-up. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the response on December 26, 2025, directly addressing Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson‘s warning against prematurely dismissing the allegations.
Castro clarified: The Palace is not questioning evidence from Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings but specifically refers to the unverified “Leviste list”—documents Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed to have received from the late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral on September 4, 2025, allegedly showing Cabinet secretaries as proponents of controversial 2025 budget insertions.
“We are only talking about the unverified ‘Leviste list,’” Castro stressed, daring accusers to “substantiate their claims with verified facts and documents” authenticated by DPWH.
Lacson had urged the Palace on December 26 not to hastily brand the allegations “hearsay,” arguing significant evidence of plunder—from budget crafting to “ghost” project implementation—has emerged from committee probes. Dismissing Cabinet links prematurely, he warned, could be seen as a “euphemism for cover-up.”
The exchange underscores tensions in the ongoing scandal, with the Palace emphasizing due process while critics demand swift accountability for high-level figures.
Key Statements Snapshot:
| Speaker | Position | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Castro (Palace) | PCO Undersecretary | “Hearsay without probative value… substantiate with verified documents.” |
| Ping Lacson | Senate President Pro Tempore | “Premature dismissal may be interpreted as a cover-up.” |