MANILA — Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III downplayed the significance of the so-called “Cabral files” on January 10, 2026, describing them as “just a list one can find anywhere” and not the smoking gun some have claimed in the ongoing P20-billion flood control corruption scandal.
In a radio interview, Sotto — who served as Senate President during the 19th Congress — said the documents allegedly from late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral (who died on December 18, 2025) are merely budget breakdowns and insertions commonly available in public records, not secret evidence of wrongdoing.
Key points from Sotto’s statement:
- “Those are just lists of projects and insertions — nothing new. You can find similar documents in the DBM, in Congress, even online in the NEP (National Expenditure Program).”
- He questioned the timing and narrative: “Why is this being sensationalized now? These are normal budget processes. If there was real anomaly, it should have been flagged during budget deliberations.”
- On the death of Cabral: “It’s tragic, but let’s not jump to conclusions. The Ombudsman is investigating — let the process run its course.”
Sotto’s remarks contrast sharply with claims by Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who have called the files evidence of massive irregularities in the 2025 DPWH budget.
The Palace and DOJ have so far treated the files as unverified and hearsay, while the Ombudsman continues forensic examination of Cabral’s devices.
Public & Political Reactions Snapshot
| Figure / Group | Position on Cabral Files |
|---|---|
| Tito Sotto | “Just a list, nothing special” |
| Leandro Leviste | “Authentic and damning” — pushed for transparency |
| Ping Lacson | Calls for full disclosure and comparison of copies |
| Ombudsman | Still verifying; no conclusion yet |
| Palace | Unverified copies are hearsay |
The controversy continues — with Sotto’s downplaying adding another layer to the debate on the files’ real value.
Stay tuned for updates from the Ombudsman and congressional inquiries.