LEVISTE DISCLOSES POSSESSION OF SECRET DPWH ‘INSERTION’ FILES FROM CABRAL
Former Batangas governor Jose Antonio “Mark” Leviste has revealed that he is in possession of what he describes as confidential documents linked to alleged “insertions” in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects attributed to former secretary Rogelio Singson’s successor, Hermogenes Ebdane, and later officials, including former secretary Rolando “Babes” Bautista Cabral. According to initial information, Leviste claims the files detail project allocations and adjustments that were supposedly made outside the usual budget deliberation process. He has not yet released the full contents of the documents to the public, but has indicated that they involve infrastructure items tagged as “insertions” in national and local funding lists.
Based on preliminary reports, the materials in Leviste’s possession are said to include internal communications, project summaries, and budget line items covering multiple years of DPWH programming. The term “insertion” is commonly used in public discussions to describe additional projects or funding lines introduced into the budget, often late in the drafting or approval stages. As of now, there are no confirmed details on whether these particular entries were irregular, properly authorized, or simply part of routine budget adjustments within the agency.
Leviste’s disclosure comes at a time when infrastructure spending and transparency in public works remain under close scrutiny from watchdog groups and the public. According to initial statements attributed to him, his decision to speak about the files is tied to calls for clearer documentation of how road, bridge, and flood-control projects are prioritized and funded. He has suggested that the documents could help clarify how certain projects appeared in appropriations, especially in districts where the local leadership had raised questions about funding flows.
Government agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive response to Leviste’s claims, and DPWH officials have not publicly confirmed the authenticity or context of the alleged “insertion” files. Based on preliminary reports, internal checks are typically conducted when questions are raised about project listings or budget changes, though no formal inquiry related to Leviste’s disclosure has been announced so far. As of now, there are no confirmed details on whether any of the named officials have been asked to explain the entries that
