LEVISSTE THANKS LAWYER FOR CONFIRMING ‘CABRAL FILES’ CLAIMS

Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste expressed gratitude to lawyer Mae Divinagracia for verifying that he lawfully obtained the so-called “Cabral files” from the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, refuting claims that he forcibly took the documents. Divinagracia confirmed the six boxes of files contained DPWH annual budget proposals, project requests, secretary’s notes, and proponent names from 2023 to 2025, which align with copies secured by Leviste and others. Leviste emphasized that Cabral’s files remain with the DPWH and should be released by the department or the Ombudsman for authentication and public transparency. He also highlighted Cabral’s honesty, noting she refused to implicate others falsely and felt unfairly treated after being asked to tender a courtesy resignation instead of retiring. Meanwhile, the NBI confirmed Cabral’s fingerprints match records on file, and investigation into her death in a Kennon Road ravine continues, while former lawmaker Zaldy Co remains out of the country amid graft complaints over a P289-million flood control project.