MANILA – Malacañang cautioned the public against treating documents circulating online as proof of alleged irregularities in public works projects, stressing that only the Office of the Ombudsman has the authority to determine their authenticity amid conflicting versions released on social media.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the documents posted publicly by Batangas City 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste cannot be deemed conclusive evidence, noting that editable files and multiple versions undermine their reliability.
“Ang sabi nga po ni Assistant Ombudsman (Mico) Clavano, ang mga dokumento na hawak ng ibang tao na maaaring ma-edit ay hindi maituturing na isang conclusive evidence,” Castro said.
“Marami ng versions ang lumalabas at hindi sila magkakatugma… mayroon may written annotations, mayroon na may names ng Cabinet Secretaries at ‘yung ibang version ay wala naman ganoong nilalaman,” she added.
Castro emphasized that, in the absence of solid proof, the materials should not be treated as definitive evidence and urged the public to wait for the Ombudsman’s determination.
“Ang mga kwentong walang pinanghahawakan na matibay na ebidensya ay mananatiling isang haka haka lamang. Hintayin natin ang Office of the Ombudsman ang magsalita patungkol diyan,” Castro said.
The Ombudsman has yet to release its findings.
Leviste earlier posted on Facebook images of 75 supposed Department of Public Works and Highways projects allegedly worth P8 billion, listing “OP (ES/SAP)” as proponent./PN
