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Red flags in ‘Cabral list’ mount DPWH personnel insist Leviste forcibly took docs, copied files
By Katrina Manubay, Vito Barcelo and Othel V. Campos
M
ORE people have cast doubt on the so-called “Cabral list” in the possession of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, with some DPWH personnel insisting the lawmaker forcibly took documents and copied files from the office of the late Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Contrary to Leviste’s claim that Dizon, several public works personCabral gave him the files with the nel told GMA News that Cabral even approval of DPWH Secretary Vince sustained paper cuts and bled after Leviste allegedly took the documents from her hand.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 319 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025
Reenacted budget won’t disrupt govt work—Palace
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By Charles Dantes
PREPPING FOR MEDIA NOCHE. A buyer, at right, tries out a ‘torotot’ for size at a stall selling all shapes and sizes of
noise makers in Mega Qmart in Quezon City. Center photo shows a stall in Divisoria selling round fruits that are said to bring prosperity, good luck and abundance while another vendor is busy arranging lucky charms and red tassels meant to welcome the New Year. Manny Palmero, Norman Cruz.
Children most affected by firecracker blasts By Ram Superable, Vince Lopez, and Rex Espiritu THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 140 firework-related injuries recorded nationwide from Dec. 21 to 30, based on monitoring from 62 sen-
tinel hospitals. Children aged 5 to 14 accounted for 78 cases, or 58% of the total, underscoring the continued vulnerability of minors during the holiday period. Next page
MALACAÑANG yesterday assured the public that a week under a reenacted budget will not disrupt government operations, explaining that the delay will give the Executive Branch time to conduct a thorough review of the ratified 2026 national budget. In a statement, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the administration received the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Act on December 29 and is scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to account for changes made from the originally submitted National Expenditure Program (NEP). “The President and his team are scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to fully account for any changes from the originally submitted NationNext page
Let Rizal’s principles guide the way we live and work for our nation—PBBM PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from national hero Dr. Jose Rizal by upholding patriotism, truth, and responsible citizenship, as the nation commemorates Rizal Day. For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte said the
‘Survey results will not deter PBBM from doing right’ By Charles Dantes and Katrina Mikaela Manubay MALACANANG has said recent survey results will serve only as a guide for the administration and will not affect President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to good governance and his anti-corruption campaign. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said survey ratings, whether high or Next page
true lesson of Rizal was very clear: “Independence is not only liberty from foreign aggression, but also the freedom of our thoughts and sentiments from abuse, disunity, and evil,” she said in Filipino. Next page
GRAND WINNER.
Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, grand winner of the 20th season of America’s Got Talent (AGT), is all smiles during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall. PCO
HONORING RIZAL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is escorted on his way to place a wreath at the
monument of the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in commemoration of the 129th Anniversary of his Martyrdom at the Rizal Park in Manila. Revoli Cortez
PBBM asks Sanchez to perform at ASEAN 2026 PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has invited Filipino-American singer and “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 grand winner Jessica Sanchez to perform during the Philippine hosting of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May 2026.
The President extended the invitation during Sanchez’ courtesy call at Malacanang Palace yesterday where Marcos congratulated Sanchez for her international achievement and underscored the pride she brought to the country.
“You made us all very, very proud,” the President told Sanchez. Marcos said the invitation also comes with high expectations, noting that ASEAN leaders anticipate world-class performances from the Next page