House investigation sought into Cabral's death

Several members of the House of Representatives on Monday filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice led the filing of the proposed resolution, which seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death.

“We are deeply concerned that this case, if mishandled, could lead to the silencing of other witnesses or whistleblowers,” Erice told reporters during a briefing.

“This inquiry is also a call to action to immediately secure testimonies, place witnesses under protection, and prevent any further loss of life or truth,” he added.

Erice cited alleged “loopholes” in the case, including questions surrounding the time of Cabral’s death and alleged inconsistencies in witness statements.

“This inquiry is not about persecution, but accountability. Not about speculation, but evidence. Not about politics, but justice. The Filipino people deserve nothing less,” he said.

Other lawmakers who joined Erice in filing the resolution include Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, and Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando.

'Cabral files'

Meanwhile, Leviste explained why he had called on the DPWH to release the contents of the computer files allegedly provided to him by Cabral prior to her death, saying it would be a matter of courtesy to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

"Tulad ng nabanggit, ang files na ito ay ibinigay after tumawag si Sec. Vince at tinawagn din sya ni Usec. Cabral noong September 4. Kapag may nagbigay sa 'yo ng files, courtesy na bago i-public, ibigay (muna) sa kanya ang pagkakataon na siya ang magsapubliko," Leviste said.

(As I mentioned, the files were given to me after Secretary Vince called on September 4, and Usec. Cabral also called him. When someone gives you files, it is basic courtesy to give them the opportunity to release the information themselves before making it public.)

Amid mounting pressure for him to disclose the contents of the files in his possession, Leviste said the DPWH will be in a better position to shed light on the details.

“Maganda kung DPWH ang magpaliwanag at magbigay ng context at kumpletong datos. I think it’s time na buksan ng Kongreso ang investigation into the files ng DPWH Planning Service,” he added.

(It would be better for the DPWH to explain and provide context and complete data. I also think it’s time for Congress to open an investigation into the DPWH Planning Service files.)

In a previous interview, Leviste said Cabral’s files identified “proponents” that included senators, congressmen, cabinet members, undersecretaries, and even private individuals who are known contractors.

Cabral, who had resigned as DPWH undersecretary, was found dead around midnight on December 19 following an alleged fall near the Bued River in Tuba, Benguet.

Prior to her death, she was facing a high-profile investigation over her alleged involvement in a corruption scandal linked to flood control projects reportedly funded through budget insertions amounting to billions of pesos.—MCG, GMA Integrated News