Tinio calls for securing, disclosure of alleged DPWH ‘Cabral list’

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Sunday called for the immediate securing and public disclosure of an alleged list of project proponents reportedly compiled by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

“Such lists could be crucial in establishing the circumstances surrounding Usec. Cabral’s death and identifying all individuals involved in the systematic plunder of DPWH funds,” Tinio said.

Earlier, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that he has a copy of the list, which he said would have “wide ranging consequences.” Leviste said the document allegedly contains the names not only of lawmakers from the House and Senate but also officials from the Executive branch, including secretaries and undersecretaries outside the DPWH, as well as private individuals.

Leviste said he would wait for the official position of the DPWH on the matter so as not to compromise his work in Congress.

Tinio stressed that Cabral’s list must be secured immediately before it can be suppressed or destroyed, and that its contents should be made public to ensure accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation.

"It is true that Usec. Cabral was a key player in the massive and systematic plunder of DPWH funds. For sure, she knew a lot, could name a lot of names, and the dead tell no tales," Tinio said.

However, Tinio noted that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan allegedly knows even more about the issue than Cabral and former undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

"But if there's anyone who knows even more than her and Usec. Bernardo combined, it's none other than their boss, the former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan. No allocations could be made, no funds could move in DPWH without the knowledge and go-signal of Bonoan," he stressed.

Tinio further criticized what he described as the administration’s protection of the former DPWH secretary. As of press time, a report from the Bureau of Immigration said Bonoan has yet to return to the Philippines after leaving the country on 11 November, reportedly to accompany his wife for a medical procedure.

"Yet very early on, President Marcos Jr. allowed him to resign and literally walk off into the sunset and out of the country, beyond public scrutiny. He should be brought back and face thorough investigation," Tinio said.

The lawmaker urged the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and relevant House committees to immediately secure Cabral’s list and coordinate with immigration authorities to facilitate Bonoan’s return to the country, noting that he was supposed to be back as early as 17 December.

“Will the key members of the Marcos cabinet, such as Bersamin, Bonoan, and Pangandaman, be investigated? Or will they continue to be shielded from scrutiny? Is this a genuine anti-corruption campaign or a cover-up?" Tinio said.