Malacañang on Friday, December 19 expressed condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, whose death has drawn renewed attention due to her alleged links to anomalous flood control projects.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Palace is extending its sympathies to Cabral’s family and urged the public to respect their privacy as they grieve.
“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan po ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. Nakakalungkot po ang nangyari pero muli po tayong nakikiramay,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Cabral’s death, initially reported by police as the result of a fall in Benguet, has prompted the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to call for a thorough and transparent investigation to rule out any foul play.
In a statement, the ICI emphasized that Cabral was a key official during the period now under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in flood control projects, making it crucial to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.
Cabral previously served as a senior DPWH official when several flood control projects—now alleged to be overpriced, defective, or even “ghost” projects—were approved and implemented.
These projects have since become the subject of congressional inquiries and criminal investigations following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue corruption in public infrastructure spending.