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NBI not ruling out foul play in Cabral's death just yet
ICC DECISION ON RODY TRIAL LIKELY IN JAN.
By Pot Chavez
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NEWS / A2 VOL. XXXIX • NO. 310 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025 •
'Cabral list explosive: More lawmakers, top officials' But Leviste says he'll defer to DPWH chief in releasing list
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THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Sunday clarified that they are not ruling out the possibility of foul play in the death of resigned DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari admitted that as far as the agency is concerned, foul play is not being ruled out. “Our investigators have not yet given such a [no foul play] conclusive finding,” he said in Filipino. Considering that the DPWH official’s death came under ‘mysterious circumstances’, Mallari clarified that the NBI seeks to dispel speculations and doubts. He shared that the Bureau is double checking documents that are already in their custody as well as those collected by the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the
By Rex Espiritu, Rio N. Araja, and Katrina Manubay
ATANGAS Rep. Leandro Leviste yesterday claimed that the list handed over to him by the recently deceased former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral is a potential bombshell because it contains the names of more highly placed personalities who were not previously associated with anomalous flood control projects.
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“The release of the files would have wide-ranging consequences. They list proponents of flood control and other Department of Public Works and Highways projects from the whole government – not only Congressmen and Senators, but also people from the Executive, including Secretaries and Undersecretaries outside DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], as well as private individuals,” he said.
ON TO MALAYSIA IN 2027.
Filipino athletes, inset, march during the closing ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand where the organizers turned over the 2027 hosting flag to Malaysia. POC
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Discayas blackmailing solons, threatening employees — Vico By Katrina Manubay PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto warned the public not to fall for propaganda portraying contractors Sarah and Pacifico Discaya as mere “small fish” caught in the middle of a massive corruption scandal, when in fact, even from behind bars, they have enough clout to threaten congressmen and former employees who may testify against them. In a video statement yesterday, Sotto claimed that multiple indi-
viduals have informed him that the couple continues to intimidate former employees of their various companies, who they believe possess sensitive information that could expose the extent of their roles in anomalous flood control projects. “Several people have told me that they still intimidate their former employees so that they won’t testify against them,” the city mayor said in Filipino. Also, Sotto disclosed that two
By Darwin G. Amojelar
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Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, 78 By Rio N. Araja ANTIPOLO CITY Rep. Romeo Acop has passed away at the age of 78. This was confirmed by Acop’s fellow Antipolo lawmaker Ronaldo Puno on Sunday. The House of Representatives deeply mourns the passing of Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Macusi Acop, a loyal, courageous and staunch public servant, Speaker Faustino Dy said. Former Speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez expressed condolences over Acop’s passing, paying tribute to his crucial role as senior vice chairman of the House Quad Committee (Quad Comm). “We are saddened by the passing of Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop. Our prayers and condolences go to his family and loved ones,” Mamamayang
Transport hubs jampacked as exodus peaks
HOLIDAYS EXODUS. Thousands of Filipinos jammed bus, air, and port hubs yesterday as the Christmas and New Year exodus peaked. Norman Cruz
Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said. “Sadly, he has really passed on. Our hearts are broken," Puno said in a Viber message. “He was a friend for more than 25 years and a devoted, courageous, honest public servant. Next page
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Ceremonial signing of bicam budget report set today By Ram Superable
Rep. Romeo Acop
THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said ports nationwide are fully prepared to accommodate the seasonal influx of passengers. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the agency recognizes the importance of holiday travel for families, overseas Filipino workers, ba likbayans, and other travelers heading home for Christmas, stressing that the priority is to keep journeys safe, orderly,
A CEREMONIAL signing of the bicameral report by committee members is scheduled at 10 a.m. Today. Meanwhile, the advocacy group Social Watch Philippines (SWP) warned that the 2026 budget violates the Universal Health Care Act by allocating excessive funds to the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFP) program. After the signing, staff will complete printing and verification of the enrolled bill to prepare it for ratification. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives will formally ratify the reconciled budget or General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Dec. 29.
The final enrolled budget will be transmitted to Malacañang on the afternoon of Dec. 29 for presidential approval. President Marcos is expected to
sign the General Appropriations Act into law later that same day. The original plan called for ratification by Dec. 22, but reconciliaNext page
TABLE READY.
A handyman arranges the lineup of roasted pigs ready for the picking at one of La Loma’s stalls. Norman Cruz