Witness retractions, 'Cabral files' to be tackled as Senate flood control probe resumes

National

WITH P50 billion in flood control projects under scrutiny, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume hearings next week to investigate alleged witness retractions and verify public works records, including the so-called “Cabral files,” Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson announced Saturday.

The hearings are scheduled for Jan. 19 at 1 p.m., pending a quorum, according to Lacson. “I already informed colleagues in the majority through our chat group and I already asked Senate President (Tito) Sotto for permission to have a quorum on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.,” he told radio dzBB, as quoted by Philstar.

He added that the panel would first tackle reports that former public works engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez had allegedly retracted their sworn statements, claims publicly denied by the Department of Justice.

The committee will examine whether any counter-affidavits were submitted and clarify the legal consequences of attempting to recant sworn testimony, which could expose them to criminal liability for perjury under Republic Act No. 11594, with penalties of up to 12 years in prison, a P1 million fine, and perpetual disqualification from public office.

Even if Alcantara and Hernandez retract statements implicating government officials, Lacson stressed the case would not collapse.

He explained that the testimonies, along with those of Jaypee Mendoza, are supported by documentary and circumstantial evidence, including official budget records, and that any accompanying money trail or paper trail would also be considered by the DOJ or the Ombudsman.

The committee will also compel the attendance of individuals who ignored prior invitations, including former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and resigned Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar. Subpoenas will be issued, and if they still refuse to appear, the panel will recommend that warrants of arrest be issued.

Lacson confirmed the panel is preparing to verify the Cabral files, which reportedly detail allocations for flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The documents in his possession reportedly show around P50 billion worth of projects sourced from unprogrammed appropriations, partly explaining why the Senate panel in the bicameral conference pushed for significant cuts. On whether Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, who publicly disclosed the files on social media, will be summoned,

Lacson said the lawmaker would be invited but not compelled to testify. He also declined to identify Cabinet secretaries allegedly listed in the documents, saying he preferred not to disclose their names.(MyTVCebu)