MANILA — Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected allegations that he is the “ES” referenced in the so-called Cabral Files, saying he had no involvement at any stage in approving Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.

“I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process,” Bersamin said in a statement, adding that he also did not instruct anyone to use his name or former position for budget-related purposes.

Bersamin, who also served as chief justice, expressed being “aghast and outraged” over claims linking him to P8.3 billion worth of DPWH projects allegedly allocated to his office under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

He said the allegations only highlight flaws in the budget process at the DPWH and called for the Cabral documents to be thoroughly examined to identify those responsible for any manipulation. Bersamin added he is willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial inquiry into the matter.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson earlier said the documents linked to former DPWH Undersecretary Ma. Catalina Cabral show at least five Cabinet secretaries and several undersecretaries with “allocables” and “non-allocables” amounting to billions of pesos in the 2025 national budget. One entry, labeled only as “ES,” reportedly shows P8.3 billion in allocations.

Malacañang has questioned both the source and authenticity of the Cabral files. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said reports indicate the documents were obtained from a staff member, not directly from Cabral, who passed away in December. Portions of the files were released on social media by Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) on Christmas Eve, showing DPWH allocations by district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026, totaling around P3.5 trillion.

Before her death, the Department of Justice was set to refer a plunder case involving Cabral and several DPWH officials in Bulacan to the Office of the Ombudsman. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said the case also involves project proponents who may have benefited from the alleged irregularities.

Lacson said the documents show large amounts linked to high-ranking executive officials, including former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, whose allocables reportedly total at least P30.5 billion for 2025 alone.