The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume hearings on Jan. 19 by authenticating the so-called “Cabral files,” documents left by late DPWH undersecretary Catalina Cabral that allegedly contain evidence of corruption and kickbacks in flood control projects.
Committee chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson said only documents verified by the DPWH will be included in official records, with the results expected to shape the direction of the investigation into budget manipulation and project irregularities.
Lacson also said former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan’s absence will not derail the probe, adding he may be allowed to testify via video conference under strict conditions, while the committee examines allegations involving lawmakers and senior officials.
He warned that “allocables” or project wish lists pursued for commissions are akin to attempted robbery and undermine the integrity of the national budget process.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice said it will soon begin the preliminary investigation into plunder and graft complaints against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Bong Revilla over alleged kickbacks in flood control projects.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 18, 2026
