Lawmakers, civil society: Will the truth die with Cabral?

‘Will Truth D1e with Her?’ Lawmakers Seek Thorough Probe into Ex‑DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral’s D34TH and Safeguarding of Flood Control Evidence

Public officials and legislators call for meticulous investigation amid rising concerns over institutional lapses and preservation of critical government evidence.

December 21, 2025

Introduction

The sudden and tragic d34th of Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral, former Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has sparked a wave of concern among lawmakers, civil society groups, and the public. Beyond mourning her loss, questions loom large: “Will the truth die with her?”

Cabral, a respected civil engineer with decades of service, had been closely involved in ongoing inquiries into alleged anomalies in flood control projects — a politically sensitive area where billions in public funds were implicated. Lawmakers, including Representative Antonio Tinio, have publicly called for a thorough and impartial investigation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect all evidence related to her work and to ensure transparency in the government’s handling of such high-profile matters.

This report delves into Cabral’s career, the circumstances surrounding her tragic d34th, the legislative response, and the ongoing investigation into her final hours.

1. Profile: Who Was Catalina “Cathy” Cabral?

Catalina Cabral was a prominent civil engineer and public servant known for her technical expertise, leadership, and integrity. Her career in the DPWH spanned decades, beginning as a junior engineer and culminating as Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnerships.

Cabral was widely recognized for her role in oversight of major infrastructure initiatives, including highway expansions, bridge construction, and flood mitigation projects. She was also among the first women to achieve senior leadership positions in a male-dominated field, mentoring younger professionals along the way.

2. Career Highlights and Government Achievements

Cabral’s contributions include:

Implementation of nationwide highway and bridge projects improving connectivity.
Oversight of strategic flood control initiatives aimed at mitigating disaster risks in flood-prone areas.
Facilitation of public-private partnerships enhancing efficiency in infrastructure development.
Advocacy for ethical standards and transparency in project management.

Her work earned her numerous awards and recognition for professional excellence and leadership in engineering and public administration.

3. Involvement in Flood Control and Infrastructure Projects

At the time of her d34th, Cabral was actively involved in government oversight of flood control projects, many of which had come under scrutiny for potential anomalies and misallocations. Legislative bodies were preparing hearings, with Cabral expected to provide technical testimony and documentation related to project planning, budgeting, and execution.

Her role placed her at the intersection of technical expertise and political sensitivity, a position that made her contributions crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.

4. Political and Institutional Context

Cabral’s work intersected with several ongoing investigations into budget allocations, project delays, and alleged irregularities in flood control initiatives. Some lawmakers expressed concern that key information in her possession could be at risk if not properly preserved following her sudden d34th.

Representative Antonio Tinio, among others, emphasized that the public and the government must ensure evidence is protected, noting that Cabral’s expertise was central to understanding alleged infrastructure anomalies and holding officials accountable.

5. The Incident on Kennon Road

On December 18, 2025, Cabral was reportedly traveling along Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet, when she asked to be dropped off at a remote roadside area. The exact circumstances leading to her fall remain unclear.

Kennon Road is known for its steep terrain, winding curves, and high accident rates, raising concerns about the safety of individuals navigating the area without assistance. Authorities found her body near the Bued River, approximately 20–30 meters below the highway, with blunt force trauma consistent with a fall.

6. Discovery of the Body and Immediate Response

Cabral’s driver alerted local authorities when she failed to return after being dropped off. The police responded by locating her body hours later. Early investigative efforts included DNA verification, autopsy, and preliminary scene examination.

Officials described her d34th as a tragic event but acknowledged procedural lapses in evidence handling and site management, which later prompted administrative review and calls for corrective measures.

7. Early Investigative Lapses and Concerns

Initial investigative gaps identified include:

Improper scene security, potentially compromising physical evidence.
Delayed forensic documentation of personal belongings and devices.
Failure to immediately classify the site as a formal crime scene, despite the suspicious circumstances.
Inadequate early preservation of digital and project-related records, which may have contained critical information about ongoing flood control inquiries.

These lapses led to administrative action, including reassignment of local police leadership, and spurred calls for greater procedural rigor.

8. Lawmakers’ Calls for a Comprehensive Probe

Representative Antonio Tinio and other legislators urged authorities to:

Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of Cabral’s d34th.
Explore all possible scenarios, including accidental fall, intentional self-harm, or foul play.
Ensure the preservation of all documents, gadgets, and digital evidence related to flood control projects.
Maintain transparency and public accountability throughout the investigation.

Tinio’s statements highlighted the urgent need to secure evidence to prevent loss or tampering, noting that Cabral’s knowledge and testimony were central to uncovering the truth about alleged anomalies.

9. Preservation of Evidence and Digital Records

Given Cabral’s involvement in sensitive infrastructure oversight, the preservation of physical and digital evidence is critical. Authorities and legislative bodies emphasized:

Securing her personal devices, emails, and project files for forensic analysis.
Ensuring documentation related to flood control projects is protected from alteration or disappearance.
Collaborating with cyber-forensic experts to reconstruct timelines and verify information.

These measures are essential not only for the current investigation but also for broader efforts to ensure transparency in government spending.

10. Conclusion: Ensuring Truth, Accountability, and Public Trust

The d34th of Catalina Cabral is a tragic loss for the nation, highlighting vulnerabilities in both investigative procedures and the preservation of institutional knowledge. Lawmakers’ demands for a comprehensive probe and protection of evidence underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Whether the investigation ultimately confirms an accident or reveals further complexities, the process itself will serve as a test of institutional integrity. Protecting the truth and ensuring justice for Cabral’s work and legacy remain central priorities for both government and society.

Timeline of Ex-DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral’s Final Day
Kennon Road Safety: Analysis of High-Risk Areas and Accidents
Legislative Oversight on Flood Control Projects: Key Findings
Forensic Protocols in High-Profile Death Investigations