Akbayan Partylist Representative Chel Diokno has raised concerns over the recent move by authorities to seek cyber warrants for the electronic devices of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials implicated in the controversial flood control projects.
Diokno said he had already flagged the need for such warrants two months ago during congressional inquiries, particularly addressing DPWH officials led by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon.
“Yet it’s only the other day, based on the news, na mayroong nag-apply for cyber warrants,” Diokno said, questioning the timing, which came only after the death of former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.
“Nagtaka kami kung bakit matagal na rin nilang alam na dapat nangyari ito pero nung isang araw lang nila ginawa and only after the death of Usec. Cabral,” he added.
Diokno noted that the delayed warrants are a critical issue for lawmakers investigating both the flood control anomalies and Cabral’s death. He highlighted that Cabral possessed extensive knowledge about alleged irregularities, including contractors, project proponents, and individuals potentially orchestrating the anomalies.
“Hindi lang niya alam ang mga kontratista at iba pang mga proponent at konektado sa proyekto, mukhang pati ‘yung mga sinasabi nating mga nasa likod nitong mga anomalya—kaya ‘wag nating hayaan na kasamang mailibing itong kaalaman [niya] sa kanyang libing din,” he said.
“We have to get to the bottom of this, we have to know not only what happened to her and what her actual genuine cause of death is, but also to find out what she knew and what we can still unearth based on the investigation that we will conduct,” Diokno added.