Manila, Dec. 28 -- Cabinet officials would not be exempted from anti-graft and corruption investigation if evidence links them to alleged budget irregularities, Malacanang said Sunday, stressing that accountability applies to all public officials regardless of rank.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement in response to claims that several Cabinet members were behind billions of pesos worth of alleged budget insertions for 2025, an allegation earlier raised by Senator Panfilo Lacson based on the so-called "Cabral files."

Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been firm that anyone proven to be involved in wrongdoings must be held accountable.

"Anyone among the Cabinet members w...