Family seeks compassion, privacy after Cabral’s death

MANILA, Philippines — The family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral appealed for compassion and restraint following her sudden death, urging the public to respect their need for privacy as they grieve.

In a statement released on Saturday, December 20, by her legal counsel Mae Divinagracia of Co & Divinagracia Law Offices, the family said it is confronting an “overwhelming loss under painful and sensitive circumstances” and asked for time and space to mourn in peace.

"At this time,  we respectfully urge everyone to refrain from actions, speculations or commentary that may compound the family’s grief, the statement read.

The family also called on authorities and the public to be guided by sensitivity and respect for personal boundaries, saying that no criminal, civil, or administrative complaint has been filed against Cabral that would justify the seizure of her personal belongings.

"The calls for the seizure of her phone and other personal belongings are, thus, unwarranted," the statement said, adding that the family is seeking the prompt release of Cabral’s remains so she may be laid to rest “with dignity and peace.”

The family opposed DNA testing, saying Cabral’s remains had already been positively identified. It also dismissed claims that Cabral and her family faked her death as “reckless and baseless.”

In the same statement, the family reiterated Cabral’s “consistent and unequivocal” denial of any involvement in alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The family also slammed allegations made by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, describing his testimony as uncorroborated and self-serving. 

It noted that while Bernardo accused Cabral of receiving commissions, he admitted that he did not personally witness any such transactions.

According to the statement, Cabral had been prepared to confront the allegations and had consistently cooperated with investigative bodies, including the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the House of Representatives’ infrastructure committee and the Office of the Ombudsman.

The family said Cabral’s failure to attend the December 15 hearing of the ICI was due to the lack of official notice, contrary to earlier reports.

"It is equally regrettable that despite the absence of any finding of fault, Ms. Cabral’s name would be repeatedly dragged in what appears to be a public shaming campaign by persons who have since capitalized on the issue for political gain," the statement read.

The family ended its appeal by asking that Cabral be remembered “with fairness and compassion” and that they be spared further distress during what it described as a period of profound sorrow.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera police confirmed Saturday that the remains found in Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet belong to Cabral, following an autopsy conducted at 3:45 a.m. 

DNA testing has yet to proceed, pending higher authorities’ orders.

At the center of flood control probes

Cabral first drew public attention during congressional hearings on flood control projects in September, following presidential and DPWH inspections of alleged ghost projects. 

Her role came under scrutiny after Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said she contacted former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III regarding possible insertions in the 2026 National Expenditure Program, a claim Sotto later confirmed.

She resigned shortly after, with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon accepting her resignation. Before stepping down, Cabral headed the DPWH’s Planning and Public-Private Partnership division, overseeing infrastructure planning and budget proposals. 

She denied facilitating kickback schemes but was included among officials recommended for possible administrative charges over a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.

During her House testimony, Cabral confirmed that Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s district received P51 billion in flood control projects from 2020 to 2022, with her office overseeing the line items despite strict COVID-19 lockdowns. 

Cabral was earlier described by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla as one of the “principal architects” of the alleged flood control corruption scheme, alongside former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

Bernardo implicated Cabral in computing “allocables” for public officials and claimed portions were set aside for herself and former public works chief Manuel Bonoan.

Cabral’s death has raised concerns among officials, with Rep. Perci Cendaña asking whether she would become the “fall guy” in the broader flood control scandal. — with reports from Ian Laqui, Dominique Nicole Flores and Artemio Dumlao