In a political climate fraught with tension and uncertainty, the Philippines is witnessing one of the most explosive series of revelations in recent history. The veil of secrecy covering government spending and political maneuvering is slowly being lifted, exposing a tangled web of alleged corruption, fabricated narratives, and a high-stakes power struggle leading up to the 2028 elections. From the debunking of false claims against Vice President Sara Duterte to the surfacing of the dangerous “Cabral Files,” the administration is facing a crisis of credibility that has the potential to reshape the nation’s future.

The Collapse of the Anti-Duterte Narrative

For weeks, a persistent rumor circulated by administration allies suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte had visited the BJMP facility in Camp Bagong Diwa to pressure a detained individual named Madriaga. The narrative was clear: portray the Vice President as desperate to silence a witness. However, this house of cards has come crashing down.

Verified reports, supported by the facility’s warden and CCTV footage, have confirmed that the Vice President did indeed visit the facility, but not to see Madriaga. Her visit was to check on Arnolfo Teves. This crucial distinction completely dismantles the malicious script written by her detractors. The question now arises: why did the administration’s operators feel the need to lie so blatantly?

Political analysts suggest that this is a sign of desperation. The ruling coalition, increasingly paranoid about the enduring popularity of the Duterte family, seems intent on connecting the Vice President to any available controversy, regardless of the facts. The attempt to link her to the Madriaga issue was a calculated move to damage her reputation, but it backfired spectacularly when the truth was revealed. It serves as a stark reminder to the public to scrutinize every piece of information fed to them by those with a vested interest in destroying the opposition.

The 3.2 Billion Peso Silence of Romeo Acop

While the Vice President vindicates herself from false accusations, a prominent critic of the former administration is finding himself in the hot seat. Congressman Romeo Acop, known for his aggressive questioning and attacks against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte during committee hearings, has suddenly gone quiet.

New reports allege that this silence—and his previous “performance”—came with a hefty price tag. Documents suggest that Acop’s district was the recipient of a staggering P3.2 billion in “pork barrel” funds from 2023 to 2025. Critics are now connecting the dots, suggesting that his fervent participation in the “Quad Comm” hearings was a performance engaged in exchange for massive budgetary allocations from the leadership, specifically pointing toward Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The contrast is jarring. During the height of the hearings, Acop was a media darling, always present and vocal. Now, as issues regarding budget insertions and corruption plague the House of Representatives, he is nowhere to be found. The public is left wondering: was his righteous indignation merely a paid act? The revelation of these funds has turned the tables, placing the accuser under the microscope of public accountability.

The “Cabral Files”: A Dead Man’s Switch?

Perhaps the most terrifying and significant development is the emergence of the “Cabral Files.” Congressman Leviste, in a courageous and risky move, has admitted to possessing digital files given to him by the late Undersecretary Cabral. These files allegedly detail the inner workings of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, specifically the 2025 National Expenditure Program.

Leviste’s revelations are bone-chilling. He has publicly stated that he has given instructions for the full release of these files should he face an untimely passing. This “dead man’s switch” indicates the severe danger involved in holding such sensitive information. The files reportedly contain over 17,000 rows of project data, shedding light on how public funds are distributed not based on public need, but on political patronage.

According to Leviste, the DPWH budget for 2025 stands at P721 billion. Of this, P401 billion is “allocable” to district congressmen—a massive sum on its own. However, the true anomaly lies in the remaining P320 billion, labeled as “outside allocable.” These funds are allegedly controlled by the “leadership” and are distributed to friends, favored contractors, and private individuals. This essentially legalizes a system where billions of pesos are siphoned off to projects that often do not exist or are severely overpriced.

Rigged Bids and the “Big Fish”

The corruption does not stop at mere allocations. Leviste cited former officials who claimed that nearly 100% of bids within the DPWH are rigged. The illusion of a fair bidding process is just that—an illusion. Projects are awarded to pre-selected contractors who have ties to the proponents of the budget insertions.

This system explains the prevalence of substandard infrastructure and the infamous “flood control” projects that fail to control any floods. The funds are designated for these projects because they are the easiest to manipulate. The “Cabral Files” reportedly contain codes and tags that could identify the “Big Fish” behind these insertions. These are not just low-level bureaucrats but are suspected to be some of the highest-ranking officials in the land.

The Congressman’s struggle to bring this to light has been met with resistance. He recounted how both the DPWH and the Ombudsman initially claimed ignorance of these files, only acknowledging them once the pressure from his public statements became undeniable. It paints a picture of systemic cover-ups where government agencies protect each other rather than the people.

The 2028 Political Endgame

All these machinations—the attacks on the Vice President, the massive budget insertions, and the silencing of critics—point to one thing: the 2028 Presidential Elections.

The current power brokers, identified by critics as the alliance between the Romualdez and Remulla clans, are reportedly terrified of a Duterte resurgence. They know that the Filipino people have not forgotten the service and stability of the previous administration. The current strategy is a “do or die” mission to cripple Vice President Sara Duterte’s chances before the campaign season even begins.

However, their strategy is fraught with risk. By engaging in such blatant persecution and allowing such unchecked corruption, they are alienating the very voting block they need to court. The exposure of the billions in pork barrel funds while the common Filipino suffers from inflation and economic hardship is a recipe for political disaster.

A Call for Vigilance

The revelations brought forth by Congressman Leviste and the debunking of the lies against Vice President Sara Duterte serve as a wake-up call. The machinery of government is being used not to serve the people, but to enrich a select few and consolidate political power.

The “Cabral Files” must be protected and eventually released to the public. The billions of pesos in question are taxpayer money—funds that should be building schools, hospitals, and genuine infrastructure, not lining the pockets of politicians and their cronies. As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, the Filipino people must remain vigilant. The truth is coming out, one file and one exposure at a time, and no amount of political maneuvering can hide it forever.