Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has described the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral as a tragic setback for the ongoing investigation into deep-seated corruption within the department.
A Crucial Witness Lost
Lacson stated that Cabral's passing is unfortunate and tragic, emphasizing that she possessed vital information that could have greatly helped expose the extent of corruption in the DPWH's infrastructure program. The senator expressed hope that Cabral may have left behind notes or files of evidentiary value that could still assist investigators.
"It is tragic that she would end her life at a time when she could have significantly contributed to blowing wide open the corruption not only in flood control projects but in all other anomalies within the DPWH," Lacson said in his statement published on December 22, 2025.
Preliminary Meeting Before Tragedy
The senator revealed that he met with Cabral, her lawyer, and two of his legislative staff for a preliminary discussion. The meeting, held at Cabral's initiative, occurred immediately after former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo first mentioned her name in his sworn testimony before the committee.
During that encounter, Lacson formed the impression that Cabral was considering cooperating with the probe. However, he noted that she appeared to be under significant pressure, the source of which was not clear at the time. The senator's confidence in her potential cooperation was bolstered by her lawyer's assurance that Cabral could trust him completely, citing Lacson's record of never seeking "pork" or "allocable" funds from projects she handled.
Impact on the Investigation
The loss of Cabral as a potential witness deals a serious blow to the Blue Ribbon Committee's efforts to uncover the full scope of alleged irregularities. As the former undersecretary for planning, she had direct oversight and knowledge of the department's projects and fund allocations.
Lacson's public appeal for any notes or files she may have left behind indicates the investigation will continue to pursue all possible leads. The committee is examining corruption not just in flood control projects but across all infrastructure programs managed by the DPWH.
In closing his statement, the Senate President Pro Tempore extended his condolences, saying, "Finally, may she rest in peace." The search for truth in the DPWH's operations, however, presses forward amid this sobering development.
