MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has denied claims that he requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to insert projects into the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), refuting what he described as unverified documents circulating online.

“I categorically deny claims that I was among those who requested the DPWH to insert projects in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) at any point during my term as senator. At no time did I make such a request. In fact, I have never met nor spoken with former Undersecretary Cathy Cabral since I assumed office,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He said his role is limited when local government units seek assistance, stressing that his office only facilitates referrals to appropriate agencies.

“Kapag lumalapit ang mga LGU sa amin para humingi ng tulong kaugnay ng anumang social service o infrastructure project, ang aming papel ay limitado lamang sa pag-uugnay sa kanila o pagre-refer sa tamang ahensya, at hindi namin kontrolado kung ano ang kanilang gagawing hakawbang. The claims being circulated lack credibility and remain unsubstantiated,” he said.

The statement was issued following the circulation of documents dubbed the “DPWH leaks,” which allegedly showed that all senators in the 19th Congress requested public works projects to be included in the proposed 2025 budget, based on an exclusive report by Bilyonaryo News Channel.

According to the documents obtained by BNC, former senator and now Education Secretary Sonny Angara allegedly had the highest number of requested projects at 105 for the 2025 NEP.

The list also named former Senate President Francis Escudero with 34 projects, Senator Joel Villanueva with 30, and Senator Imee Marcos with 28.

It further showed 14 projects each for Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano; 11 each for Senators Mark Villar and Grace Poe; nine each for Senators Raffy Tulfo and Ramon Revilla Jr.; seven for Senator Aquilino Pimentel III; and six each for Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Jinggoy Estrada.

The documents listed five projects each for Senators Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino; four each for Senators Loren Legarda, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Nancy Binay; two each for Senators JV Ejercito, Robin Padilla, and Manny Pacquiao; and one project for Senator Risa Hontiveros.

No incumbent or former senator named in the supposed documents has issued a comment as of press time.