Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday dismissed claims that some Cabinet secretaries were allegedly included in a list of proponents of the multibillion-peso budget insertions for infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as mere 'hearsay'.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized in a text message that such allegations lack 'probative value' unless they are supported by authenticated documents. Castro stressed that unofficial channels should not be given credibility without proper verification, underscoring the importance of due process and official validation before the Palace can address these claims.

"The Palace will only respond to documents authenticated by the DPWH," Castro stated, adding, "Other than these, they will all be considered hearsay or tsismis, which have no probative value."

The controversy arose following a claim by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, who stated that the late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral provided him with documents on September 4. These documents allegedly contained the names of high-ranking officials, including Cabinet secretaries, involved in the agency's budget insertions.

Leviste mentioned that these files were presented to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on November 18 and 19, and subsequently to the Office of the Ombudsman on November 26. His revelation followed the death of Cabral, who tragically fell into a ravine in Benguet on December 19.

Cabral had previously been accused by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo of being a key figure in the agency's financial planning. She resigned on September 16 amid the growing controversy.