Bersamin denies P8.3B DPWH budget insertion allegations

Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin expressed outrage over allegations linking him to P8.3 billion in budget insertions for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2025.

Bersamin clarified that the initials 'ES' in the 'Cabral Files' do not refer to him as the Executive Secretary in relation to these DPWH projects, stating he had no role at any stage in the approval of public works projects.

He categorically denied requesting, endorsing, approving, or authorizing any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process.

Furthermore, Bersamin denied instructing anyone inside or outside government to use his name or the name of his former office for any budget-related purpose.

The 'Cabral Files' purportedly link several high-ranking officials to controversial insertions in the 2025 infrastructure budget.

Bersamin's exit last month came as the administration tried to contain fallout from allegations it was Bersamin all along who pushed for a whopping P100 billion in bicameral insertions in the 2025 national budget - a claim the former chief justice has denied.