MANILA — The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) denied allegations that it had any hand in a controversial list of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects purportedly tagged under “OP (ES/SAP),” warning that unfounded claims risk derailing legitimate accountability efforts.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. said OSAP neither implements infrastructure projects nor wields authority over the DPWH’s internal budgeting, dismissing suggestions of presidential office involvement as misleading.
“Any claim or insinuation suggesting otherwise is unfounded, false, and misleading,” Lagdameo said in a statement.
He said the office was compelled to respond after repeated attempts to link the Special Assistant to the President — or the office itself — to matters outside its mandate.
“The Office is compelled to address this matter as similar attempts to invoke the name of the Special Assistant to the President, or the Office itself, have surfaced repeatedly,” he said.
The controversy centers on a list of 75 DPWH projects reportedly worth P8 billion that surfaced from what were described as files of the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. The projects were labeled “OP (ES/SAP)” as the supposed proponent.
Batangas 1st District’s Cong. Leandro Leviste earlier called for an investigation into the list, noting that it included a P300-million street lighting project in his district. He clarified, however, that he does not know who or what entity the “OP (ES/SAP)” label actually refers to.
Leviste said around 60 percent of the listed projects involve flood control and slope protection, while the remaining 40 percent cover street lighting initiatives. He added that he released the list after receiving another copy from a separate source who had obtained it from within the DPWH.
Lagdameo cautioned against using his name or office to suggest influence or endorsement where none exists, calling such actions irresponsible.
He also warned against rushing to conclusions without verification, stressing that accountability efforts must be anchored on facts, not speculation.
“The circulation of false claims does not advance accountability; it diverts attention from the real issues and delays their proper resolution through the appropriate institutions,” Lagdameo said.
Despite the dispute, he said OSAP remains committed to transparency and will support legitimate, evidence-based investigations conducted through proper channels, adding that the office is prepared to cooperate with inquiries that respect due process.
“Until then, the OSAP will not be distracted by speculation and will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with its mandate,” Lagdameo said./PN
