Lawmakers seek probe, evidence seizure after Cabral death

Following the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Catalina Cabral, several House lawmakers extended condolences while raising concerns over its impact on the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila De Lima said Cabral’s death, given her alleged role in the controversy, could derail accountability efforts.

“The death of Cabral can benefit a lot of people. Needless to state, it adversely impacts, to a large degree, the ongoing flood control investigation because now, everything might be pinned on Cabral as the mastermind,” De Lima said.

De Lima urged the National Bureau of Investigation and other authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and immediately secure possible evidence linked to Cabral.

“This should be thoroughly investigated by the authorities, especially by the NBI. Cabral’s residence, documents, and other personal effects should be applied for a seizure warrant and immediately secured by the authorities,” she said.

“Hindi ito dapat maging dead end ng mga imbestigasyon. Mabilis na ring kumikilos Ang mastermind o mga mastermind at sindikato para makalusot sa pandarambong kaya wala dapat sayanging oras ang mga kinauukulan,” De Lima added.

Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña also called for the immediate securing of Cabral’s digital records and questioned who stands to benefit from her death.

“Who will benefit most from her death? Will the truth die with her? Will she be the ‘fall guy’ in this grand corruption scandal?” Cendaña said.

He added that any ill-gotten wealth linked to the case should be returned to public coffers if proven.

ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro Tinio said Cabral was a key figure in what she described as the “massive and systematic plunder of DPWH funds” and could have identified other individuals involved.

“For sure, she knew a lot, could name a lot of names, and the dead tell no tales,” Tinio said.

“But if there’s anyone who knows even more than her and Usec. Bernardo combined, it’s none other than their boss, the former DPWH Sec. Manny Bonoan. No allocation could be made, no funds could move in DPWH without the knowledge and go-signal of Bonoan,” she added.

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death are deeply alarming and must not be treated in isolation.

“Her death cannot be separated from the investigation into massive flood control projects that have left our communities vulnerable to disasters. We call on relevan authorities to ensure the preservation of all electronic and documentary evidence in her custody,” Elago said.