ICI to invite ex-DPWH official Cabral

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will invite resigned Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral as a resource person in its investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

“We plan to invite former Usec. Cabral,” ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka said.

According to Hosaka, she may be invited to attend the hearing on December 15.

“And we’re hoping she appears… there is information that the commission would want to get from her,” he said.

Cabral resigned from her post in September after being implicated in the controversy.

Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that Cabral would ask him to submit list of projects related to lump sum fund allocations of DPWH.

He said the commission for the projects was 10% and were allegedly divided as follows: 50% to Carlo Aguilar, presumably for former secretary and Senator Mark Villar; 25% for Cabral, and 25% himself.

Villar has denied the allegations against him.

Villar "vehemently and categorically deny the accusations made today in the Blue Ribbon Committee. Isa po itong malaking kasinungalingan (This is one big lie)." 

He had asked the public to be discerning and not to rush judgment based solely on a person’s affidavit, "which may be manufactured or tailored fit for his or other people’s convenience."

"I stand by my untarnished record as a long-serving public servant as a Representative, DPWH Secretary, and Senator of this Republic," Villar said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News