Cabral’s death puts probe in 'dangerous territory,' Ombudsman warns

MANILA, Philippines — Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral puts the government in "dangerous territory" in the ongoing flood control corruption investigation.  

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 19, Clavano said the Ombudsman is moving as quickly as possible in investigating the case, filing charges and ensuring the protection of potential witnesses. Cabral was among those whom the Ombudsman offered personal safety, he added.

"This exactly is what we wanted to prevent from the very start, which is why we were ready already to offer her 'yung personal safety requirement," Clavano said on December 19.  

"We are in dangerous territory here because a lot of people are involved," he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

The last time Cabral visited the Ombudsman was on December 3 for questioning and during that time, Clavano said the prosecutors who spoke with her observed that she was willing to cooperate in the investigation. 

As head of the DPWH unit that planned the agency’s budget, Cabral allegedly knew how infrastructure projects were inserted into the national budget, with commissions or kickbacks reserved for public officials such as members of Congress and DPWH officials.

Reports say she has a list of officials, also known as proponents, who proposed projects and budget amounts to be added to the National Expenditure Program, already reflecting their apportioned shares.

Clavano said that during questioning, Cabral was cautious in sharing what she knew about the anomalous flood control projects.

To encourage her to open up, he said the Ombudsman was "willing to talk to her." Cabral had asked what charges she might face, which the office took as a sign that she wanted to prepare early and plan her next steps.

While he acknowledged calls for faster action, Clavano said the evidence now goes beyond signed documents and includes digital materials such as screenshots and CCTV footage, which make investigations more complex. 

He also urged those who have access to her laptops and computers to come forward and provide the lists to the Ombudsman. Cabral’s family has yet to authorize an autopsy and DNA test, which authorities say are needed to rule out possible foul play and address claims questioning the circumstances of her death.

"Time is of the essence now. We need to get those (gadgets) immediately as they are at risk of being altered, erased by family members or friends," he added. "We afford all the respect and condolences to the bereaved family, but there is this state interest that has to keep moving and that is the investigation into the flood control."

Despite her death ending any criminal liability, Clavano said Cabral may still face civil liability, which would focus on the financial damage arising from the alleged misappropriation of funds from flood control projects.

"Our hope and our goal here is to make sure that every proven amount, every cent, every peso that we discover was stolen and is in the estate of former Usec. Cabral would still be retrieved and returned to the government," he added. 

Cabral was found dead at the bottom of a ravine along the Bued River on Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on the night of December 18. Her driver, now a person of interest, reportedly left her at her request and returned hours later to find her missing.

The Ombudsman stressed that recovering Cabral’s phone records and call logs will be crucial in determining whether the last people she had spoken to may have played a role in her death.