Senator JV Ejercito has acknowledged endorsing certain government projects after being approached by local officials, clarifying that such endorsements were not insertions into the budget during the bicameral conference committee (BICAM) deliberations.

Ejercito addressed reports linking his name to the so-called “Cabral Files,” saying he was initially surprised but maintained that endorsing requests from local government units (LGUs) was part of his responsibilities.

“Ako inaamin ko na nag-eendorse ako. Syempre may lumalapit sa amin na mayors, halimbawa taga-Mindanao,” Ejercito said.

“They travel almost 24 hours para makita lang kami. May mga requests sila, nirerefer namin sa mga agencies, hindi lang DPWH, [may] DOH, kung ano mang concern siyempre at least naman ‘yong may makuha sila. Kawawa naman ‘yong binyahe nila kung wala silang makukuha,” the Senator added.

He added that two projects allegedly listed in the Cabral Files were ones he supports, emphasizing that endorsements are not equivalent to exercising post-indictment influence.

“Ako titindigan ko ‘yon kasi kung makakatulong naman sa LGU at kailangan talaga, hindi masama na i-endorse mo. Ang magdedecide naman doon ay ‘yong agency hindi naman kami.” he said.

Ejercito stressed that his actions involved no improper intervention after indictments and were aimed purely at assisting local communities.