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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace condoles with Cabral family, says death won't derail flood control probe

Palace condoles with Cabral family, says death won't derail flood control probe

Published Dec 19, 2025 12:14 pm
File photo of the late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. (Senate photo)
File photo of the late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. (Senate photo)
Malacañang expressed condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral, saying her death is tragic but will not derail ongoing investigations into anomalous flood control projects.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after authorities confirmed that Cabral had died after an alleged fall near the Bued River.
In her press briefing on Friday, Dec. 19, Castro said the Palace is extending its sympathies to Cabral’s family.
“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral at nakakalungkot po ang nangyari (We extend our condolences to the family left behind by former Usec. Catalina Cabral, and what happened is truly saddening),” she said.
The Palace Press Officer, however, stressed that Cabral’s passing does not stop the broader accountability process surrounding flood control projects flagged for possible irregularities.
Castro said the matter is now in the hands of investigators, noting that Cabral was not facing any case at the time of her death.
“Sa ngayon po wala pong kinakaharap na kaso si Usec. Cabral (As of now, Usec. Cabral was not facing any case),” she said.
Asked how her death would affect ongoing inquiries, Castro reiterated that the Palace would not interfere.
“Nasa kamay na po ito ng mga investigating bodies (This is now in the hands of the investigating bodies),” she said.
Castro added that there was no need for the President to issue a specific order to investigate Cabral’s death, stressing that this already falls under the mandate of law enforcement.
“Hindi na po kailangan iutos ito. Mandato po ito ng PNP (Philippine National Police), ng SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives), na malaman kung ano ang nangyari (There is no need to order this. It is the mandate of the PNP and SOCO to determine what happened),” she said.
For now, Castro said the Palace is prioritizing respect for the family’s privacy.
“Iginagalang po natin muna pansamantala ang pribadong buhay at ang pamilya ni Usec. Cabral (For now, we are respecting the private life of Usec. Cabral and her family),” she said.
Cabral is considered one of the key figures in the ongoing investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.

Related Tags

Claire Castro DPWH Catalina Cabral
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