MANILA – The sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral has sparked intense speculation and calls for a thorough investigation, with many questioning whether critical truths about the P20-billion flood control corruption scandal will now remain buried. Cabral, a 40-year veteran of the agency and a key figure implicated in alleged irregularities, was found unconscious near Bued River along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on December 18, 2025, and pronounced dead shortly after midnight on December 19.
Authorities initially treated the incident as an alleged fall from a ravine, with her driver reporting she asked to be dropped off alone around 3 p.m. while traveling from Baguio to La Union. However, the timeline—hours between disembarking and discovery, delays in body retrieval, and procedural lapses—has fueled doubts. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) urged a probe to rule out foul play, while lawmakers like Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña asked: “Who will benefit most from her death? Will the truth die with her?”
Cabral, who resigned in September amid scrutiny, was accused of designing the “allocables” formula for budget insertions and facilitating kickbacks. Former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified she operated schemes under past secretaries, potentially holding explosive details on lawmakers and contractors.
Key Unanswered Questions
- Circumstances of Fall: Why disembark alone in a remote, hazardous area? Driver’s account under review.
- Timeline Gaps: Vehicle spotted early morning; body found ~8 p.m., retrieved after midnight.
- Evidence Handling: Initial lapses (site not secured as crime scene; gadgets released to family before full documentation).
- Potential Motive: As a central witness, her silence could shield others in the scandal.
The Ombudsman ordered preservation of her cellphone/gadgets for forensics, while DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged investigative shortcomings and mandated autopsy/DNA testing despite family waiver (insisting accidental death).
DPWH mourned her as a dedicated servant, but the tragedy amplifies calls for accountability: In a probe exposing billions lost to “ghost” works, Cabral’s passing leaves a void—truths untold, justice uncertain.
Incident Timeline (Reported):
| Time/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| ~8 a.m. Dec 18 | Vehicle spotted stopped near gas station |
| 3 p.m. | Dropped off at Purok Maramal, Kennon Road |
| ~8 p.m. | Body discovered ~30m from riverbank |
| 12:02 a.m. Dec 19 | Pronounced dead |