Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste said he will no longer publicly comment on the alleged “Cabral Files” beginning January 1, saying veteran lawmakers are better positioned to lead the investigation into the supposed anomalies tied to flood control projects.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Leviste explained that Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar "Egay" Ranes Erice, and other experienced legislators should take the lead in addressing the issue to ensure credibility and a more unified voice.
“Maraming ibang mga issue naman sa ating bansa at ang tingin kong maganda kasi si Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, si Senior Deputy Minority Leader Egay Erice at ibang mga beterano ang mag-lead ng imbestigasyon tungkol sa mga di umanong ‘Cabral Files’.”
Leviste clarified that stepping back does not mean conceding defeat or withdrawing his position on the issue. He said he remains ready to respond if necessary but believes it is no longer appropriate for him to be the sole public voice on the matter.
“Sabi ko naman na kapag kailangan kong tumugon, meron pa naman akong mga sasabihin pa.”
Despite his decision to stop issuing statements, Leviste said the “Cabral Files” are expected to surface publicly, noting that copies are already in the possession of several entities, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Office of the Ombudsman, members of the media, and private individuals.
He added that the public may eventually see the documents online, including through social media platforms.
Leviste called on the DPWH to address the names and projects allegedly listed in the files, stressing that official disclosure would allow proper comparison and verification of information. He said the public deserves to know the truth behind claims that some infrastructure projects were quietly inserted into the national budget.
The lawmaker also linked the issue to concerns over congressional funds, particularly reports that some lawmakers received up to ₱2 million in cash for what was described by House leadership as funds for Christmas parties rather than bonuses.
“Kaya ang ating mga kababayan ay pwedeng mag-expect na may 2 million pesos ang ibang mga kasamahan natin para sa mga Christmas Parties.”
Leviste said not all members of Congress received the same amount, with some allegedly receiving more while others received none. He urged transparency in the distribution of congressional benefits, including the ₱18.58-billion Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) fund of the House of Representatives.
“Ang aking panawagan na lang ay wag naman icancel ‘yong mga benepisyo sa kongreso pero maging transparent tayo at kung hindi man 2 million ang nakuha natin, isiwalat natin kung ano.”
According to Leviste, if the MOOE were evenly divided among the 318 lawmakers, it would amount to over ₱30 million per member annually, though he stressed that the allocation is not equal.
Leviste disclosed that he has refused to access his MOOE, citing concerns over the lack of official receipts and what he described as “liquidation by certification,” a process he said could allow misuse of funds without detection.
“Hindi naman lahat nakakakuha ng pantay-pantay. Kaya dapat nating malaman paano nadidistribute ang 18.58–billion pesos na pondo ng MOOE ng kongreso.”
While acknowledging that some lawmakers use the funds for legitimate constituent services, Leviste reiterated his call for full disclosure to ensure public accountability.
