Palace says docs linking Cabinet to flood control insertions are hearsay

Malacañang maintains that documents linking Cabinet members to insertions in flood control projects are hearsay unless validated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the Palace would only acknowledge documents officially authenticated by the DPWH, dismissing unverified information.

This comes after Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste presented files, allegedly from former DPWH undersecretary Catalina Cabral, that purported to connect executive officials to the controversy.

Leviste, however, stands by the authenticity of the documents, which he claims detail the summary of DPWH allocations per district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026.

Castro challenged Leviste to prove the authenticity of the documents he possesses, questioning why the Palace should bear the burden of proof.

Senate president pro tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson urged Malacañang not to dismiss the allegations prematurely to avoid perceptions of a cover-up.