Manila, Dec. 29 -- The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday said it acknowledged the public interest in the so-called computer files of the late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, but explained that supposed copies of files from third parties have less evidentiary value than those from the government agencies that own the computers and storage devices.

"The Office of the Ombudsman recognizes the heightened public interest, the commentaries and even speculation surrounding the so-called Cabral files. We reiterate that the shared objective of all concerned institutions and even individuals should be very clear at this point," Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a video message sent to rep...