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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman expects DPWH's 'full compliance' on turnover of Cabral's computer, other electronic gadgets

Ombudsman expects DPWH's 'full compliance' on turnover of Cabral's computer, other electronic gadgets

Published Dec 22, 2025 05:06 pm
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Monday, Dec. 22, said it expects “full compliance” with its subpoena that directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately produce all computer and electronic devices previously issued to the late former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
“Upon turnover, these devices will be subjected to forensic examination by a law enforcement agency to determine whether any data was altered, deleted, or tampered with after the flood control scandal was first made public,” the Ombudsman said in a statement.
Thus, it said, it “expects prompt and full compliance with the subpoena in the interest of accountability and the integrity of the ongoing investigations.”
Cabral was one of the individuals being investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the multi-billion “ghost” flood control projects that were implemented by the DPWH with dubious contractors.
She was found unresponsive at the side of Bued River in Tuba, Benguet around 20 to 30 meters below the highway late last Dec. 18. The police confirmed her death last Dec. 19.
She last appeared before the Office of the Ombudsman on Dec. 3. If her death is indicative of anything, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said it is that the flood control probes are high-stakes and a lot of powerful people are scared about the truth leaking out.
"I think the situation speaks for itself na talagang (that truly) we are in dangerous territory here dahil maraming nasasangkot na malalaking tao (because a lot of high-placed individuals are implicated)," Clavano said.
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