Ombudsman to authenticate ‘Cabral files’

Malacañang on Thursday said the Office of the Ombudsman has been tasked with authenticating the so-called “Cabral files” released by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters that multiple versions of the documents have been circulating online, some with annotations, names of Cabinet secretaries, and details that appeared to be inconsistent.

“Stories that are not supported by solid evidence will remain just speculation. Let’s wait for the Office of the Ombudsman to speak on that,” she said.

After the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, Leviste claimed she had left him documents detailing the corruption in the DPWH.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon countered the claim, saying the files were taken “forcibly” from a staff member of Cabral and saved on a flash drive.

Malacañang had urged an investigation into how the neophyte lawmaker had obtained the files.