Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson described the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral as both unfortunate and tragic, stating she could have been a pivotal witness in exposing widespread corruption within the department's infrastructure programs.
A Potential Key Witness Lost
Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigating irregularities in flood control projects, expressed his regret on Friday, December 23, 2025. He emphasized that Cabral's testimony could have significantly advanced the probe into corruption not only in flood control projects but across the DPWH's infrastructure program.
"It was unfortunate and tragic that former Undersecretary Catalina Cabral would end her life at a time when she could have significantly contributed to blowing wide open the extent of corruption," Lacson stated. He revealed that Cabral, through her lawyer, had initiated a meeting with him and two legislative staff members. This preliminary discussion, which occurred after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo first named her in his sworn testimony, was to plan her potential appearance before the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Signs of Cooperation Under Pressure
During their interaction, Lacson noted that Cabral showed signs of being willing to cooperate with the Senate investigation. However, he also sensed she was under considerable, unexplained pressure. The senator's confidence in her potential cooperation was bolstered by her lawyer's statement.
"Her lawyer’s statement that she could completely put her trust in me being the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee... with the knowledge that I have never dipped my fingers in any of the lists of projects - 'pork', 'allocables' or whatever name/s invented that she used to prepare for legislators and other personalities, she being the Usec for Planning," Lacson recounted.
Hopes for Evidence and a Call for Peace
Despite the setback, Lacson holds out hope that the former undersecretary may have left behind crucial documentation. "I hope she left some notes or files that may have evidentiary value worth pursuing in the ongoing investigations," he added. These materials could prove vital as the Blue Ribbon Committee continues its work to uncover the truth behind the alleged anomalies.
Lacson concluded his statement with a message of respect for the deceased official: "Finally, may she rest in peace." The investigation into the DPWH's flood control mess and broader infrastructure program continues, now with the poignant absence of a key insider who had begun steps to testify.
