Gatchalian denies requesting DPWH to insert projects in 2025 NEP

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has refuted the inclusion of his name in a document alleging that he and other senators requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to insert projects in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP). 

“I categorically deny claims that I was among those who requested the DPWH to insert projects in the 2025 National Expenditure Program at any point during my term as senator. At no time did I make such a request,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“In fact, I have never met nor spoken with former (DPWH) Undersecretary (Maria Catalina or) Cathy Cabral since I assumed office,” he added.

According to news reports, all senators of the 19th Congress, including Gatchalian, were included in a controversial list of project requests allegedly inserted during the preparation of the 2025 NEP, based on documents referred to as the “DPWH leaks.”

The documents surfaced as investigations continue into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects. 

In November, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo described before lawmakers a long-running system of corruption embedded in the agency’s budget process.

According to reports, as early as the crafting of the NEP, projects already had designated proponents and sponsors who allegedly received a percentage or “kickback” once the projects were implemented, Bernardo had claimed.

He identified Cabral as one of the alleged architects of the system.

“Whenever LGUs reach out to us to ask for help in relation to any social service o infrastructure project, our role was limited to referring them to the proper agency and we did not have any control over their next move,” said Gatchalian. 

“The claims being circulated lack credibility and remain unsubstantiated,” he stressed. /das