The family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral has pushed back against calls to seize her personal belongings, including her mobile phone, saying such demands are unwarranted as no legal complaints had been filed against her.
In an official statement released on Saturday through legal counsel Mae Divinagracia of Co & Divinagracia Law Offices, the family appealed for compassion and restraint following Cabral’s sudden death, urging the public to respect their privacy as they grieve.
“Her family is confronting an overwhelming loss under painful and sensitive circumstances, and they ask for the time, space, and privacy to grieve and mourn in peace,” the statement read.
It emphasized that any actions taken after her death should observe sensitivity and personal boundaries, warning against speculation that could further distress the family.
The statement also rejected claims that Cabral staged her death, calling such allegations “insensitive, inappropriate, utterly reckless and baseless.” The family likewise requested the immediate release of her remains to allow for private funeral arrangements.
Cabral’s legal team cited her decades of public service and reiterated her consistent denial of involvement in alleged flood control project anomalies. It also criticized former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, noting that his accusations against Cabral remained uncorroborated.
“She had voluntarily appeared and participated in inquiries conducted not only by the ICI, but also by other investigative bodies, including the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the House of Representatives’ Infrastructure Committee, and the Office of the Ombudsman,” Divinagracia said.
The statement added that Cabral was unable to attend the December 15 ICI hearing as she had not received any official communication regarding the proceedings.