Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday warned that so-called “allocables” motivated by commissions or kickbacks are no different from attempted or planned robbery, as he called for closer scrutiny of documents allegedly left behind by the late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

In a radio interview, Lacson said lawmakers who submit project “wish lists” while the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is still being prepared—particularly with the intent of earning commissions—are already engaging in a corrupt practice, even if the projects are never approved.

“If you submit a wish list or allocables, even without assurance they will be included in the final General Appropriations Act, and your motive is to collect commissions, that can be likened to attempted—or at the very least, planned—robbery,” Lacson said.

He clarified that lawmakers are not barred from seeking funding for projects, provided these are properly studied and pursued as part of their duty to constituents.

However, he stressed that such requests should only be made after the NEP is formally submitted to Congress.

“Legislators have no say in the listing of projects in the NEP. The work of Congress is to introduce amendments after it is submitted,” Lacson said, adding that any attempt by legislators to “dip fingers” into the NEP for personal gain undermines the budget process.

Lacson said his own institutional amendments were based on vetted requests from government agencies or realignments arising from his oversight functions.

The remarks come ahead of a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing scheduled on 19 January, where the panel—chaired by Lacson—is expected to tackle the so-called “Cabral files,” a set of documents allegedly detailing irregularities in public works allocations.

Lacson said he will ask DPWH officials to authenticate the documents in his possession, as well as those held by other individuals.

“I will apply fairness—any document the DPWH does not authenticate, including those in my possession, will not be made part of the Blue Ribbon Committee’s records,” he said.

Bonoan absence, other issues

Lacson also addressed reports that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan may not attend the 19 January hearing due to an extended stay in California, where his wife’s eye surgery was reportedly postponed until 15 February.

According to Lacson, Bonoan’s absence will not stall the investigation but could weaken his position, as DPWH resource persons are expected to testify.

“It’s on him because he has to explain the submission of false data on grid coordinates to Malacañang,” Lacson said.

The committee is also set to ask the Department of Justice to confirm whether it approved Bonoan’s request for an extension abroad. Lacson said the panel may consider allowing Bonoan to attend via videoconference, but only from the premises of a Philippine embassy or consulate to allow the administration of an oath.

In addition, the committee has invited former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to clarify allegations that former police chief Nicolas Torre III attempted to take him into custody. While Torre has not been formally invited, Lacson said he is welcome to attend and give his side.

Romualdez property issue

Lacson further revealed that at least two resource persons are expected to testify on the purchase of a house and lot in South Forbes in April 2023 allegedly linked to former Speaker Martin Romualdez, with contractor Pacifico Curlee Discaya II allegedly acting as a “front.”

“I obtained copies of the deed of absolute sale and the checks used in the payment,” Lacson said in a separate radio interview.

He added that while Discaya was not listed as the buyer, the property was purchased by a corporation whose substantial shareholder has “ties” to the former Speaker.