Rappler Recap: Blue ribbon panel tackles Cabral files, alleged links between Romualdez and Discayas

New names tagged in alleged public works corruption deny any involvement in the scheme, while senators grill Congressman Leandro Leviste over how he obtained the 'Cabral files'

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate blue ribbon committee introduced several new witnesses as it resumed its flood control probe on Monday, January 19.

These include eyewitnesses who tagged contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as the one tasked with renovating a home in Forbes Park that was supposedly purchased by former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

Tech businessman Maynard Ngu – tagged as the alleged bagman of Senator Chiz Escudero – and former education undersecretary Trygve Olaivar denied involvement in the kickback scheme.

Senators also grilled Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste over how he obtained the “Cabral files,” which offer a glimpse of the allocations per congressional district computed by the late public works undersecretary Cathy Cabral.

Rappler’s Tatiana Maligro gives a rundown of the leads senators pursued. – Rappler.com