DECEMBER 30, 2025 — Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste is once again at the center of controversy, accused by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) staff of forcibly taking documents and copying files from the office of the late Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. The lawmaker denies the allegations, insisting his actions were driven by a push for transparency.

CCTV footage from September 4 shows Leviste leaving Cabral’s office and later emerging from the agency’s programming division with papers in hand, while Cabral appeared to be explaining something beside him. What the cameras did not capture, however, is what staff say unfolded inside.

One employee, who asked not to be identified, recalled hearing a loud noise from Cabral’s office before entering. 

“Hanggang sa may narinig kaming kalabog sa loob. So siyempre po, si ma’am po, may edad na po. Medyo frail na rin po katawan ni Usec dahil sa edad nya, pumasok po kami,” she said. 

(We heard a loud thud inside. Since ma’am is already elderly and frail, we went in.)

Inside, they allegedly saw Leviste gathering papers while recording them with his phone. 

Cabral reportedly pleaded with him, saying “Cong, ‘wag naman. Ano po bang kailangan niyo? Pine-prepare naman na.” 

(Congressman, please don’t. What do you need? It’s being prepared.)

The staff claimed Cabral sustained a cut on her hand during the struggle. 

“Pagkapasok po namin naalala ko po, yung kamay ni Ma’am nakaganon. Andami pong dugo sa damit nya. Yung ibang papel po nun eh merong mga dugo din,” the employee said. 

(When we entered, I saw Ma’am’s hand bleeding, with blood on her clothes and even on some papers.)

According to personnel, Leviste demanded the names of lawmakers tied to projects in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. When printing of the requested files took longer than expected, he allegedly accessed the computer himself to copy the documents.

“Sinabi ko naman po na ‘Cong, huwag naman ganito’. Umabot pa nga po ako sa point na sabi ko, ‘Cong, empleyado lang kami, baka pwedeng huwag naman kami idamay,’” another staffer recounted. 

(I told him, Congressman, please don’t do this. I even said, we’re just employees, please don’t drag us into this.)

Leviste reportedly stayed until 6 p.m., leaving only after Cabral intervened.

For Cabral’s aides, the incident was not only troubling but also disrespectful to the late official. 

“Frustrating lang po na how can someone accuse yung mga ganitong bagay sa taong patay, na parang ginagamit pa nya si Ma’am,” one said. 

(It’s frustrating how someone can make these accusations against a deceased person, as if using her name.)

They stressed Cabral never authorized Leviste to take files beyond printed copies.

Leviste’s defense

Leviste admitted visiting Cabral’s office but denied any physical struggle. 

“I vehemently deny may inagawan akong dokumento from Usec. Cabral, at ang tanong ko po, bakit ngayon lang yan sasabihin kung totoo man ‘yan,” he said. 

(I vehemently deny that I grabbed documents from Usec. Cabral, and I ask why this is only being said now if it were true.)

Pressed on whether he copied files from the computer, Leviste nodded but maintained his intent was transparency. 

“I hope that the public can see lahat ng direction ko ay para maging transparent tayo sa budget,” he said. 

(I hope the public can see that all my actions are directed toward transparency in the budget.)

On social media, Leviste urged the DPWH to release what he called the “Cabral files,” which he claims detail allocations per district. He insisted his actions were authorized by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Dizon, however, rejected Leviste’s claim of approval. 

“Legislative district breakdown, absolutely, pero yung pagnakaw niya ng files sa computer, walang imprimatur ‘yun. Yung pag-ano, yung nakipagagawan sya ng papel kay Cabral, walang imprimatur yun. Of course not. Why would I give that imprimatur?” he said. 

(Legislative district breakdown, absolutely, but his taking of files from the computer had no imprimatur. His struggle with Cabral over papers had no imprimatur. Of course not. Why would I give that imprimatur?)

He added the documents are now with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Leviste’s motives under fire

Some question whether Leviste’s move is a genuine fight for transparency, or merely a calculated attempt to put the spotlight on himself and, hopefully, emerge a hero. 

Filipinos have long demanded clarity in how public funds are spent. Yet the manner in which Leviste pursued these documents — amid allegations of force and disregard for protocol — has sparked debate and questioned his motives. 

Social media has already begun buzzing, with netizens weighing in on whether Leviste is a true whistleblower or a mere power player. This controversy could shape public discourse on accountability in government spending, especially as the 2026 budget allocations come under scrutiny.

Leviste’s actions have made him one of the most talked-about lawmakers in recent weeks. His insistence on exposing budget details has drawn both praise and criticism. 

But the lingering question remains: Is his crusade truly for transparency, or is there an ulterior motive behind the noise?

Public trust hinges on accountability, and Filipinos deserve clarity — not spectacle — in the fight over our budget.

(Image: YouTube)