Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Thursday said that the verification of the documents previously called the “Cabral files,” now referred to as the “Leviste Files,” is being handled by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Philippine National Police forensic experts report that former Public Works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral most likely slipped and fell into a 16.9-meter ravine along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, and was not pushed. Using 3D scene scanning, autopsy findings, and toxicology results, investigators conclude her injuries match a single fall near the base of the ravine. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla orders an autopsy despite family identification, while fingerprint records confirm Cabral’s identity amid ongoing scrutiny of her links to alleged flood control project irregularities.
The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon committee has launched a formal investigation into 15 major flood control contractors previously flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., examining contracts, audits, technical reports and testimonies from agencies, local governments and firms. Lawmakers are reviewing procurement processes, project execution and alleged irregularities in national flood control projects and have scheduled further hearings, ordered document submissions and sought special audits as they prepare a committee report that may recommend legislative, administrative or legal actions based on the evidence collected.
A Pulse Asia “Ulat ng Bayan” survey conducted from Dec. 12 to 15, 2024, shows that 52 percent of Filipinos want Congress to immediately pass a law creating a fully empowered Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC). The nationwide poll, released Monday, found majority support across key areas and sectors for an independent body focused on investigating and addressing corruption in government infrastructure projects. Lawmakers and infrastructure officials may use the findings as input in ongoing discussions on anti-corruption measures and oversight mechanisms for public works.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to choose the country over personal interests as the nation marked Rizal Day in Manila. In his message, Marcos called on citizens, especially the youth, to use national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s life and martyrdom as a guide for patriotism, truth, and responsible citizenship. He asked the public to embody Rizal’s principles in daily life, pursue just reforms, and stand for integrity and truth to help realize a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday confirmed that its investigators gained only partial access to the so-called “Cabral files” held by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Leviste allowed the team to view selected portions of documents linked to the late DPWH Undersecretary but did not open the full set for inspection. The Ombudsman is evaluating legal steps to secure complete access and to determine the evidentiary value of the materials in ongoing corruption inquiries involving public works projects.
The Palace announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has started a weeklong, thorough review of the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Bill after receiving it on December 29. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the President’s team is scrutinizing all allocations and provisions against the original National Expenditure Program to verify changes and ensure legal, technical, and fiscal integrity. While the 2026 budget undergoes review, the government will operate under a reenacted budget for the first days of 2026, which Recto said will not disrupt services or operations.
The Philippine Congress ratified the P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget after the Senate and House of Representatives approved a harmonized General Appropriations Bill in bicameral conference, sending the measure to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for review and signature into law. The ratified spending plan, which maintains a total outlay of P6.793 trillion, now awaits presidential action before it can take effect as the country’s national budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
House appropriations chair and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing denies Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s claim that each member of the Philippine House of Representatives received a P2-million Christmas bonus, saying there is “no truth” to the allegation and that no such bonus passed through the official appropriations process.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines announced that it will start early preparations for the 2028 national and local elections, using the timeline of the 2025 polls as its primary guide. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body will review and assess the 2025 electoral calendar, including voter registration, filing of candidacies, campaign periods, and procurement activities, to identify measures for replication or adjustment in 2028.