In a developing story that has gripped the nation and sent shockwaves through the halls of government, the tragic discovery of the lifeless body of a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her passing. As the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee prepared to probe deeper into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, the very person central to the investigation was found dead, leaving investigators and the public searching for answers. The key to unlocking the mystery of her final hours now rests heavily on the testimony of the person who was with her until the very end: her loyal driver.

According to the initial investigation and the statement provided by the driver, the day began with a routine that gave no immediate warning of the tragedy that would unfold. The driver, whose identity has been protected during the preliminary stages of the inquiry, detailed the timeline of events to the authorities. He recounted picking up the former Undersecretary, Catalina Cabral, from her residence. At the time, there were reportedly no overt signs of distress, although the looming pressure of the subpoenas and the upcoming hearings was an undeniable weight on her shoulders. The driver noted that the schedule for the day was clear, but the destination would become the site of a grim discovery.

The narrative provided by the driver paints a picture of a quiet journey. He described the atmosphere inside the vehicle as they traveled to their destination. For a public official who was used to the high-stakes environment of government service, the silence in the car was perhaps not unusual, yet in hindsight, every pause and every glance is now being re-evaluated for meaning. The driver transported her to a specific location—details of which are being kept under wraps by the police to preserve the integrity of the scene—where she was expected to attend to personal or professional matters. It was here that the timeline shifted from a routine schedule to a countdown to tragedy.

The critical turning point in the driver’s account occurred after they arrived. According to the report, the driver was instructed to wait. Hours passed, a common occurrence for drivers of high-ranking officials who often have lengthy meetings or engagements. However, as the time stretched on without any communication from Cabral, the driver’s concern began to mount. The routine waiting game transformed into anxiety as attempts to contact her reportedly went unanswered. It was this silence that eventually led to the decision to check on her, a decision that would lead to the heartbreaking discovery of her lifeless body.

When the discovery was made, the scene was one of immediate sorrow and confusion. The driver, upon realizing the state of his employer, alerted the authorities. Police arrived to secure the area, and the initial processing of the scene began. The authorities have been careful with their statements, urging the public to avoid speculation while the forensic teams do their work. However, the timing of the incident—occurring just days before she was set to face intense questioning regarding government projects—has fueled widespread theories and demands for a thorough, transparent investigation.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has been vocal in the aftermath, urging law enforcement to leave no stone unturned. They have specifically requested that all angles be investigated to rule out any possibility of foul play. The statement from the driver is crucial because it establishes the “chain of custody” of her whereabouts. His testimony confirms who she was with, where she went, and importantly, who she did not meet. If the driver’s account holds up against CCTV footage and digital evidence, it will narrow the timeline of the tragedy to a very specific window, helping investigators determine the cause of this unfortunate loss of life.

The pressure on the investigation is immense. Cabral was a central figure in an ongoing probe involving billions in infrastructure funds. Her testimony was expected to shed light on critical issues plaguing the country’s flood control systems. Her sudden passing has been described by some lawmakers as a significant blow to the pursuit of truth in these investigations. Senatorial committees and the ICI have expressed their condolences to the family while simultaneously sounding the alarm that the truth must not be buried with her.

As the family grieves the loss of a mother and a public servant, the driver remains a focal point of the inquiry. His cooperation is seen as vital. The police are currently corroborating his timeline with electronic data from the vehicle and the official’s phone. For now, the public is left with the haunting image painted by the driver’s testimony: a quiet ride, a long wait, and a tragic end to a life that was caught in the center of a national storm. The investigation continues, with the hope that the final hours revealed by the driver will eventually lead to the complete truth.